PASADENA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Arrowhead Research Corporation (NASDAQ: ARWR) today announced that the clinical trial being conducted by majority-owned subsidiary, Calando Pharmaceuticals, Inc., has demonstrated systemic delivery of siRNA and the successful “silencing” of a widely recognized cancer gene via RNA interference (RNAi) in humans. This represents a breakthrough for Calando, its proprietary RONDEL™ delivery system, and the field of RNAi. It is thought to be the first ever demonstration in humans of targeted siRNA-containing nanoparticle delivery to tumors using systemic administration, delivery of functional siRNAs, and achievement of specific mRNA and protein reductions via RNAi. Thus far in the trial, no significant drug-related toxicities, known as serious adverse events (SAEs), have been observed that may limit use. Data based on Calando’s study were published in the prestigious journal, Nature, on March 21, 2010 in an advance online edition. The article, titled, “Evidence of RNAi in humans from systemically administered siRNA via targeted nanoparticles,” can be viewed at: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nature08956.html. Further discussion of the article and the data may also be viewed at: http://www.nature.com/news/2010/100321/full/news.2010.138.html.
