Shire extends existing partnership with Santaris Pharma in rare genetic disease space

Santaris Pharma A/S, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of RNA-targeted therapies, today announced that its long term partner, Shire has extended the existing partnership in the rare genetic disease space.

Under the terms of the extended agreement, Shire will have the right to nominate additional collaboration targets for drug discovery and development. Santaris will receive an upfront payment and, consistent with the initial agreement, is eligible for research support, pre-clinical, clinical and sales milestones and royalties on each product emerging from the collaboration.

Henrik Stage, President & CEO at Santaris Pharma A/S stated:  "Our collaboration with Shire is very important to us so we are very pleased with the decision to extend the agreement and allow for more drug discovery and development programs. We believe the LNA drug platform offers a unique opportunity to develop drugs against the rapidly expanding number of disease targets in the rare genetic disorder space."

Albert Seymour, VP, Discovery Research, Shire, stated: "We are delighted with our partnership with Santaris, whose expertise and capabilities in LNA antisense therapy complement Shire's drug discovery and development strengths.  Our hope is that the partnership will eventually translate into novel drugs that will help patients suffering from debilitating rare diseases lead better lives."