Regulus Therapeutics has entered into a strategic alliance with AstraZeneca to discover, develop, and commercialize microRNA therapeutics for three exclusive targets currently in preclinical development. These targets are focused on cardiovascular and metabolic diseases and oncology. 
 
Regulus and AZ will collaborate on three microRNA targets, which include Regulus’ lead cardiovascular/metabolic disease program targeting microRNA-33 for the treatment of atherosclerosis. Regulus will receive $28 million, which includes an equity investment and upfront payment from AZ. Regulus will lead preclinical development and is eligible to receive milestone payments in each target area, as well as commercial milestone payments and royalties based on the successful commercialization of microRNA therapeutics. AZ will lead and fund the clinical development and commercialization of these programs.
 
Gunnar Olsson, vice president and head of AstraZeneca’s Cardiovascular & Gastrointestinal Innovative Medicines Unit, said, “MicroRNA therapeutics have the potential to open up innovative and important treatment options for patients and AstraZeneca is pleased to collaborate with Regulus in this new and exciting area. Through this collaboration we will marry Regulus’ expertise in the microRNA field with our own internal drug development experience with the goal of bringing new treatment options to patients with atherosclerosis-related disease, metabolic disturbances, cancer and potentially other therapeutic areas of interest to AstraZeneca.”