Marina Biotech, Inc. (Formerly Known as MDRNA, Inc.) Publishes Pre-Clinical Research on the Application of DiLA2 Delivery Technology for Systemic Delivery of siRNAs

BOTHELL, WA--(Marketwire - April 26, 2011) - Marina Biotech, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRNA), a leading RNAi-based drug discovery and development company, announced today the publication of data highlighting the application of their proprietary DiLA2-based delivery technology for systemic administration of siRNAs; this work is described in Molecular Therapy -- a Nature publication. The manuscript, titled “An Amino Acid-based Amphoteric Liposomal Delivery System for Systemic Administration of siRNA” (Adami et al. Molecular Therapy advance online publication 19 April 2011 doi: 10.1038/mt.2011.56; http://www.nature.com/mt/index.html) describes the development of an amphoteric DiLA2 delivery system which enabled efficient knockdown of multiple targets in liver. Marina Biotech has recently entered an exclusive agreement with Debiopharm Group for the development and commercialization of the Company’s bladder cancer program which utilizes a DiLA2-based delivery technology.

“We’re pleased to be able to publish these exciting results,” stated Barry Polisky, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer at Marina Biotech Inc. “Delivery remains one of the key challenges in advancing RNAi-based therapeutics into the clinic and the publication of this paper highlights the impact of our DiLA2 technology in demonstrating safe and efficient systemic delivery of siRNAs. Thus far, the chemical space screened in this manuscript represents a relatively small percentage of the DiLA2 compounds that can be evaluated. The DiLA2 platform provides for a vast and chemically diverse library of compounds that can be tailored to meet particular siRNA delivery objectives for the treatment of various diseases. We will continue to develop our understanding of the capabilities of this novel delivery technology.”

One of the DiLA2-based delivery formulations, an amphoteric formulation, when administered systemically, resulted in greater than 80% knockdown of ApoB, TTR, Factor VII and PCSK9 messenger RNA (mRNA) with a single 2 mg/kg dose. The ED50 values for knockdown of these mRNAs ranged from 0.1 to 0.25 mg/kg. The formulation was well tolerated with single and multiple dose regimens. Additionally when stored frozen, DiLA2-based formulations demonstrated physical and chemical stability for greater than one year, a necessary attribute for developing liposomal-based siRNA drug products.

About Marina Biotech, Inc.
Marina Biotech is a biotechnology company, focused on the development and commercialization of RNA interference -- (RNAi) and RNA-based therapeutics. The Marina Biotech pipeline currently includes a clinical program in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (a precancerous syndrome) and two preclinical programs -- in hepatocellular carcinoma and bladder cancer. Marina Biotech has recently entered an exclusive agreement with Debiopharm Group for the development and commercialization of the bladder cancer program. Marina Biotech’s goal is to improve human health through the development of RNAi and RNA-based compounds and drug delivery technologies that together provide superior therapeutic options for patients. Additional information about Marina Biotech is available at http://www.marinabio.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements made in this news release may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of Federal Securities laws that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and involve factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or suggested. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) the ability of Marina Biotech to obtain additional funding; (ii) the ability of Marina Biotech to attract and/or maintain manufacturing, research, development and commercialization partners; (iii) the ability of Marina Biotech and/or a partner to successfully complete product research and development, including preclinical and clinical studies and commercialization; (iv) the ability of Marina Biotech and/or a partner to obtain required governmental approvals; and (v) the ability of Marina Biotech and/or a partner to develop and commercialize products that can compete favorably with those of competitors. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or suggested in any forward-looking statements are contained in Marina Biotech’s most recent periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Marina Biotech assumes no obligation to update and supplement forward-looking statements because of subsequent events.