Rona Therapeutics Inks Licensing Deal With Sanofi Over siRNA Portfolio

Shanghai, China-based Rona Therapeutics has secured a licensing deal with Sanofi giving it rights to Sanofi’s small interfering RNA (siRNA) platform.

Also known as silencing RNAs, siRNAs reduce the translation of specific messenger RNAs (mRNAs) to limit the synthesis of particular proteins.

Under the deal, Rona will have the rights to further develop, manufacture and commercialize candidates from four liver-targeting preclinical programs. In addition, Sanofi receives an exclusive option of neuro and muscular candidates discovered using the siRNA platform for territories outside of mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macao.

Rona said that through this licensing deal, it will be able to significantly expand and accelerate its siRNA portfolio in both liver and non-liver applications.

The financial terms of the licensing deal were not disclosed, including Rona’s upfront payment to Sanofi.