Santaris, Copenhagen University form RNA cancer research collaboration

Santaris Pharma, a Danish biopharmaceutical company specialising in RNA-binding drugs, and the Department for Medical Biochemistry and Genetics, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, have set up the MicroRNA Research Consortium, with funding of 9.8 million DKK (€1.3 million) from the Danish Advanced Technology Foundation.

The grant will be matched by a further contribution from the University of Copenhagen and Santaris Pharma of 9.8 million DKK, resulting in a total initial budget for the project of 19.6 million DKK (€2.6 million), according to a statement.  

Copenhagen University’s MicroRNA Research Unit is active in research on recently discovered human genetic “switches” called microRNAs, which appear to be specific for particular types of cancer and their severity, as well as being implicated in other serious diseases.  

Santaris Pharma’s Locked Nucleic Acid (LNA) technology has the potential to single out and inactivate such disease-causing genes. Such specific microRNA antagonists may have substantial potential as new therapeutic agents for the treatment of human cancer and other diseases.

The Research Consortium’s first objectives will be to target microRNAs involved in human cancer and develop effective drugs that block their action. The university will have the first right to patent new drug targets and Santaris will be responsible for the development and commercialisation of LNA antagonists of these microRNA targets as potential new cancer drugs.