Regulus Therapeutics Inc. has earned a milestone payment from Biogen Idec under the companies’ research collaboration to identify microRNAs as biomarkers for multiple sclerosis (MS). Regulus’ microMarkers division used its technology platform to meet quality specifications for extracting and reproducibly profiling microRNAs from an initial set of whole blood samples of a recent Biogen MS therapy trial. Regulus’ microMarkers division is now working to identify a microRNA biomarker signature with the potential to differentiate relapse remitting MS patients from healthy volunteers and to compare with treatment response profiles.

“We are pleased with Regulus microMarkers continued progress and are hopeful that our innovative technology can enhance Biogen Idec’s efforts to bring effective treatments to market for patients with multiple sclerosis,” said David Szekeres, chief business officer and general counsel of Regulus.

The companies entered the collaboration in August 2012 and expanded their research in August 2014 to identify potential microRNA biomarkers in MS. Regulus has achieved two milestones thus far and is eligible to receive future milestones related to the identification of microRNA signatures.