Mirina Corporation, a Seattle, WA-based biotechnology company focused on the generation of novel microRNA (miRNA) therapeutics with improved properties, has closed a Series A-1 financing.
The round was led by new investor Versant Ventures. Previous investors Alexandria Real Estate Equities, ARCH Venture Partners, OVP Venture Partners and WRF Capital also participated in the round.
In conjunction with this financing, Brian Atwood, Managing Director of Versant Ventures, will join the company’s board of directors.
This additional investment will allow Mirina to pursue moving candidates toward clinical development.
The company, which was founded in August 2008 by Accelerator Corporation, a venture capital-backed biotechnology investment and development company, is developing its proprietary technology to modify the qualitative and quantitative functionality of miRNA inhibitors.
Micro RNA (miRNA) is a newly appreciated class of small RNA molecules that regulate the expression of a larger number of human genes. Many of the genes regulated by miRNA are pivotal in normal and pathological processes. Modulation of miRNA function therefore offers a new pathway for developing drugs for serious conditions such as cancer, inflammation, fibrosis, and degenerative diseases.
Mirina has tested and demonstrated the potential of its technology both in preclinical testing and IND-enabling studies. Current efforts are primarily focused on the selection and validation of candidate models for advanced preclinical testing and progression toward clinical development.
FinSMEs
26/04/2010