CalbaTech buys RNAi company
Molecula Research Laboratories, a company developing gene silencing
technologies for gene and protein function studies.
Anglo-American 'bioincubator' firm CalbaTech has signed an agreement to acquire privately-held Molecula Research Laboratories, a company developing gene silencing technologies for gene and protein function studies.
Molecula started business around 10 years ago as an antisense oligonucleotide specialist, but latterly has branched out into the area of RNA interference (RNAi), in which short sequences of double-stranded RNA are used to block the activity of genes in a highly-specific manner.
Commenting on the deal, Matt Maupin, Molecula's CEO, said that CalbaTech's involvement would accelerate its plans in the RNAi sector, where the firm intends to provide superior small interfering RNA (siRNA) sequences to its competitors.
"The race by companies to design siRNA sequences to every gene is extremely concerning to us because most of the companies are not taking into account all of the possible variables in their siRNA design which can cause non-specific effects, which is not good for researchers," said Maupin.
Calbiotech specialises in acquiring technologies or companies that can generate sales or licensing revenue within two years, and will require less than $1 million (€850,000) in investment to reach or expand the market. The terms of the Molecula transaction have not been disclosed.
Molecula's TARGET (The Advanced RNAi Guidance Evaluation Technology) system permits delivery of active siRNA to target genes with a high rate of success. The company offers RNAi design and production and will soon offer libraries of siRNA sequences.
The company also recently developed a polycationic lipid-based reagent, iFECT, to help siRNA transfection of cells.
