MiNA Therapeutics

MiNA Therapeutics is a biotechnology company specializing in small activating RNA (RNAa) therapeutics. Founded in 2008, the company focuses on developing a new class of medicines that can restore or boost the normal function of genes and protein-modulated pathways in cells. MiNA's proprietary RNAa platform utilizes oligonucleotides to increase the transcription of target genes, addressing the root cause of genetic disorders. The company's technology has the potential to treat diseases previously considered "undruggable" by working at the gene level to restore a cell's own biology.

MiNA Therapeutics has made significant progress in advancing its RNAa platform. The company's lead candidate for liver cancer entered phase I/II clinical trials, with preliminary results showing complete tumor response in some patients when combined with the drug sorafenib. The company is also exploring applications in rare genetic diseases, central nervous system disorders, and other therapeutic areas.

Key customers and partnerships

MiNA Therapeutics has established several notable partnerships to advance its RNAa platform. In April 2023, the company entered into a multi-target research collaboration and option licensing agreement with BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. to discover and potentially develop RNAa therapeutic candidates for rare genetic diseases. This collaboration allows BioMarin to utilize MiNA's proprietary RNAa algorithm and technology platform to identify and characterize RNAa molecules for diseases with limited or no therapeutic options.

In April 2024, MiNA Therapeutics formed a research alliance with Nippon Shinyaku Co., Ltd. to develop nucleic acid drugs for intractable and rare diseases of the central nervous system. This agreement grants Nippon Shinyaku the right to research and develop pharmaceutical candidates derived from MiNA's RNAa therapeutics.

MiNA Therapeutics has also collaborated with AstraZeneca since January 2020 to develop saRNA drugs for metabolic diseases. Additionally, the company has partnered with academic institutions to further explore the potential of RNAa therapeutics in various applications, including treating rare genetic eye diseases and acute myeloid leukemia.