As I tweeted already, a new journal devoted to nucleic acid-based therapeutics, Molecular Therapy-Nucleic Acids (MTNA), just came online. The first articles already indicate that this journal is poised to become an important addition to the field of RNAi Therapeutics: promising siRNA chemistry work by Merck, folate-siRNA conjugates by Roche, and an article on SNALP and 'lipidoid' delivery to immune cells by Alnylam. Today, a review by myself on 'The Business of RNAi Therapeutics in 2012' analyzes the dramatic ups and downs this field has experienced in its less than 10 years in existence, with a particular focus on the downturn following the 2007/2008 peak. I believe that it is timely in that the industry is entering a new, recovery phase. 
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
The Business of RNAi Therapeutics in 2012
As I tweeted already, a new journal devoted to nucleic acid-based therapeutics, Molecular Therapy-Nucleic Acids (MTNA), just came online. The first articles already indicate that this journal is poised to become an important addition to the field of RNAi Therapeutics: promising siRNA chemistry work by Merck, folate-siRNA conjugates by Roche, and an article on SNALP and 'lipidoid' delivery to immune cells by Alnylam. Today, a review by myself on 'The Business of RNAi Therapeutics in 2012' analyzes the dramatic ups and downs this field has experienced in its less than 10 years in existence, with a particular focus on the downturn following the 2007/2008 peak. I believe that it is timely in that the industry is entering a new, recovery phase. 
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4 comments:
I can´t believe, that this manuscript dealing with business, IP and partnering issues becomes published in a "scientific" journal? Give me a break, but in my opinion with this business article this journal already disqualifies for communicating and discussing meaningful scientific content and papers of scientific merit. Does the scientific community really need a journal like this?
You are certainly entitled to your opinion. On the other hand, if you look at the translational research that is published in this journal and who funded it (a number of commercial enterprises), you will realize that science and business considerations are tightly linked. Also, if you take your time to read the/my article, you might be surprised how much science it contains. Have you read the article before you made your comment?
A comprehensive article, ddRNA being the organic innate immunity for most of the 3.5 billion years of life on earth seems the logical bet, your comments on the trigger technology and it's limitations deserves a more detailed explanation, cancer vaccines , antiviral preparations , gene therapy all moving through the clinic , the potential seems only limited by the imagination of the scientists involved , I see this technology as the next monoclonal scae boom , Benitecs Ip extends to 2025 and beyond , this technology deserves more funding , a first success will ensure this follows.
The Business of RNAi... I just noticed Alnylam burned through $89.1 million in cash, last year. No wonder they are laying-off staff.
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