Amid RNA Setbacks, Start Up Bets On Sanofi's siRNA Platform

Low profile startup Rona Therapeutics Inc has obtained exclusive rights worldwide to Sanofi SA's SNY siRNA platform of chemical modification and delivery moiety.
Rona Therapeutics will make an upfront payment to Sanofi, in addition to development and commercial milestones, as well as royalties on net sales of products.
Deal terms were not disclosed.
These rights will enable Rona to expand and accelerate its siRNA portfolio in liver and non-liver applications.
Sanofi receives an exclusive option for selected neuro, and muscular candidates discovered using the siRNA platform for territories outside mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macao.
Under the deal, Rona also acquired rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize candidates from four liver-targeting preclinical programs.
"Rona plans to quickly advance the development of these programs in metabolic, neurological, and ocular diseases to unlock the potential of siRNA therapeutics," said Stella Shi, CEO of Rona Therapeutics.
Sanofi had initially announced an RNA partnership with Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc ALNY for hemophilia treatment.
Safety issues forced a revamp of that late-stage program when Sanofi flagged a failure for its microRNA drug lademirsen, partnered with Regulus Therapeutics Inc RGLS.
The companies teamed up back in 2010, signing a deal worth $25 million upfront and up to $750 million in milestones.
Price Action: SNY shares are up 0.76% at $50.21 during the market session on the last check Monday.