Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: Intradigm Selects Agilent Technologies as Manufacturing Partner for Novel RNA Interference Oncology Therapeutic

Home > Press > Intradigm Selects Agilent Technologies as Manufacturing Partner for Novel RNA Interference Oncology Therapeutic

Abstract:
Intradigm Corporation, a leading developer of targeted, systemic RNA
interference (RNAi) therapeutics, and Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A)
today announced that Intradigm has selected Agilent to manufacture the
active small interfering RNA (siRNA) component of its RNAi therapeutic. In
addition, Intradigm announced that it has formally selected ICS-283, a
novel cancer agent, as its lead RNAi product candidate.

Intradigm Selects Agilent Technologies as Manufacturing Partner for Novel RNA Interference Oncology Therapeutic

PALO ALTO, CA and SANTA CLARA, CA | Posted on June 26th, 2007

ICS-283 is the only systemic RNAi therapeutic in preclinical
development against a clinically validated oncology target (vascular
endothelial growth factor or VEGF). Under terms of the agreement, Agilent
will provide the siRNA material to Intradigm, according to Good
Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, to support the initiation of
clinical development for ICS-283. Intradigm expects to initiate clinical
development of this candidate in 2008.

"Agilent's track-record establishes them as the clear partner of choice
for the manufacture of siRNAs and we are thrilled to be collaborating with
the company in support of ICS-283, our lead development candidate," said
Mohammad Azab, M.D., president and chief executive officer of Intradigm.
"By establishing this relationship with a leading GMP provider of siRNA
components, we have taken a critical step toward securing ICS-283's
advancement into the clinic."

ICS-283 is a nanoparticle-based siRNA compound that targets the VEGF
pathway. Being developed as a treatment for a variety of cancer
indications, the compound is comprised of multiple siRNAs that target both
VEGF and its receptor. Data from several in vivo models, including
xenograft models of different cancers, have confirmed an RNAi-mediated
anti-angiogenic effect following systemic administration similar to VEGF
antibody. VEGF, as an established target in the treatment of cancer,
provides a clear clinical development path to validate the success of
Intradigm's systemic delivery of siRNA in man.

"We are excited that Intradigm, a true innovator in the field of RNAi
therapeutics, has selected Agilent as its manufacturing partner for
ICS-283," stated James Powell, general manager of Agilent's Nucleic Acid
Solutions Division. "At Agilent, we are committed to excellence in
oligonucleotide manufacturing to support today's most innovative therapies.
To this end, we are proud to provide our manufacturing expertise to
Intradigm as the company prepares to advance its promising lead drug
candidate into the clinic."

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About Intradigm Corporation
Intradigm is a private biotechnology company dedicated to the
development of targeted, systemic RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics for
the treatment of serious diseases with an initial focus on oncology.
At present, Intradigm is working to build a high-value internal
pipeline of RNAi oncology therapeutics, and is actively advancing its lead
drug candidate, ICS-283, for a variety of cancer indications. The company
is also establishing collaborative relationships with pharmaceutical and
biotechnology companies through which Intradigm's advanced RNAi delivery
technology may be applied to a broad range of therapeutic targets. For more
information on Intradigm, please visit http://www.intradigm.com .

ABOUT INTRADIGM'S siRNA DELIVERY TECHNOLOGY

To address the issue of effective and targeted delivery of RNAi
therapeutics, Intradigm has developed its proprietary RNAi Nanoplex(TM)
delivery system. This powerful combination of advanced delivery
technologies is unique in its ability to offer tissue-specific targeting of
siRNA and delivery against the intracellular machinery of the target
tissue. In addition the RNAi Nanoplex' advanced formulation enables
systemic administration of the drug product.

The RNAi Nanoplex system is a multi-component delivery vector that
carries at least one active siRNA molecule in its core and a ligand
attached to its surface for specific tissue targeting. Intradigm believes
that its RNAi Nanoplex system is one of the most versatile siRNA systemic
delivery systems currently in development.

ABOUT AGILENT IN NUCLEIC ACIDS

Agilent, through its Nucleic Acid Solutions Division based in Boulder,
Colo., is a leading provider of therapeutic oligonucelotide development
services and manufacturing solutions for the biotech and pharmaceutical
industries. In addition to manufacturing cGMP therapeutic oligonucleotide
materials, Agilent also offers an array of turnkey services, including
development of analytical methods and processes, stability studies, quality
control, and regulatory support. Information about Agilent's Nucleic Acid
Solutions Division is available on the Web at
http://www.agilent.com/chem/nucleicacid .

ABOUT AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is the world's premier measurement
company and a technology leader in communications, electronics, life
sciences and chemical analysis. The company's 19,000 employees serve
customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenue of $5.0
billion in fiscal 2006. Information about Agilent is available on the Web