MiRagen Therapeutics has received a grant for ALS treatment. | Courtesy of Shutterstock
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Amanda Rupp | Jun 7, 2016

MiRagen Therapeutics accepts grant for ALS treatment

Leaders at miRagen Therapeutics Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that creates novel microRNA-based therapeutics, recently received the first portion of a Translational Research Advancing Therapy for ALS (TREAT ALS) grant.

The funds, which are from The ALS Association, amount to $424,725. This will be dedicated to making progress in developing MRG-107, which is a synthetic microRNA antagonist (LNA antimiR) of microRNA-155. It has been proven effective in earlier preclinical models involving amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

“We are delighted to have received this grant from The ALS Association,” William Marshall, president and CEO of miRagen, said. “MRG-107 is a mechanistically novel approach to the potential treatment of ALS patients and an example of miRagen’s focus on developing innovative product candidates for diseases where there is a significant unmet medical need.”

MicroRNAs are part of small RNAs, which are contained inside the genome. These act as master regulators of the body’s genetic expressions. Scientists believe that microRNAs are useful for targeting and treating various diseases.

“The TREAT ALS portfolio is a diverse collection of ALS research aimed at finding treatments and a potential cure for ALS,” Lucie Bruijn, chief scientist of The ALS Association, said. “We are pleased to support this research into MRG-107 being conducted by miRagen in collaboration with Howard Weiner, M.D., from the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston.”

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