InteRNA Technologies and Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre to Develop microRNA-based Therapeutics for Prostate Cancer

April 22, 2009

Bilthoven and Nijmegen (the Netherlands) – InteRNA Technologies B.V. and Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre have entered into a research agreement to develop microRNA (miRNA)-based therapeutics for prostate cancer.

Under the research collaboration with professor Jack Schalken (Laboratory of Experimental Urology), InteRNA’s unique lentiviral-based miRNA overexpression library will be applied in multi-parametric, high-throughput functional screening assays to identify the biological role of individual miRNAs and novel therapeutic targets in prostate cancer.

“We are very excited about this collaboration with professor Schalken, a renowned investigator in the prostate cancer field, as it allows for functional screens in diverse cell based assays embedded in a lab with extensive knowledge of prostate cancer”, said Roel Schaapveld, Chief Operating Officer of InteRNA Technologies.

“Through the collaboration with InteRNA we gain access to a unique functional tool to identify microRNAs that are implicated in prostate carcinogenesis. Thus it is a truly symbiotic public-private partnership!”, said professor Jack Schalken of Radboud UNMC.

About InteRNA Technologies B.V.
InteRNA Technologies B.V. actively explores and exploits opportunities to translate its unique collection of miRNAs and miRNA discovery and validation technologies into successful diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic applications. The company’s primary focus is to unravel the role of its proprietary miRNAs in cancer.

InteRNA Technologies was incorporated in 2006 by Aglaia Oncology Fund and has established close relationships with the research groups of its founders Edwin Cuppen, PhD, and Eugene Berezikov, PhD, of the Hubrecht Institute (Utrecht, the Netherlands), leading scientific groups in the field of miRNA research.

See for more information www.interna-technologies.com.

About Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre
Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre is a leading academic centre with expertise in medical science and healthcare. Expertise plays an essential part in our organisation and connects research, education and patient care. Our more than 8,500 staff and 3,000 students are committed and ambitious, helping to shape the future of healthcare and medical science. Driven by knowledge, empowered by people.