CAMBRIDGE, Mass. and EXTON, Pa., Aug. 24, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:IDRA), a
clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel nucleic acid-based
therapeutics for oncology and rare diseases, today announced the presentation of new pre-clinical data that demonstrates the novel
gene-silencing mechanism of action of the third generation antisense (3GA) technology platform.
In the presentation, entitled “Precise excision of targeted RNA by third generation antisense (3GA) oligonucleotides,” Idera
scientists presented data that demonstrated that gene-silencing by 3GAs led to excision sites in the targeted mRNA in the region
similar to that observed with siRNA. These excision products are different from those observed with earlier generations of
antisense. This presentation also provided a demonstration of 3GA’s specificity by showing that the incorporation of a
mismatch at the region of excision led to the loss of gene-silencing activity. Based on these studies, the company is also
conducting studies to further the potential applications of 3GAs in targeting diseases caused by point mutations. Data from
these studies is expected to be presented in the second half of 2016.
This presentation is currently available on Idera’s website at http://www.iderapharma.com/our-science/key-presentations-and-publications.
“Our in-depth understanding from our pioneering work in antisense technology along with our insights into the interaction
of nucleic acids with Toll-like receptors has allowed us to design this very unique technology platform to fully realize the
potential of antisense technology,” stated Sudhir Agrawal, D. Phil., President of Research at Idera Pharmaceuticals. “We are
continuing to conduct preclinical studies with multiple 3GA candidates in house and with our collaborators, with a goal of
advancing this technology to clinical development.”
Previously the company has announced the identification of NLRP3 (NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing protein 3)
and DUX4 (Double Homeobox 4) as initial gene targets to advance into IND-enabling activities, which will occur throughout
2016. Potential disease indications related to these targets include, but are not limited to, interstitial cystitis, lupus
nephritis, uveitis and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). The Company is currently conducting clinical,
regulatory and commercial analysis activities and conducting IND-enabling studies with the plan to enter the clinic in 2017 for the
first clinical development program. In addition to these activities, over the first half of 2016, Idera generated 3GA
compounds for a series of additional gene targets. These will enable the Company to continue to expand its future pipeline
opportunities for both internal development as well as partnerships in areas outside of Idera’s focus. Additionally, Idera is
party to a collaboration and license agreement with GSK to research, develop and commercialize compounds from its 3GA technology
for the treatment of undisclosed, selected renal targets.
About Idera’s Third Generation Antisense Platform (3GA)
Idera’s proprietary third-generation antisense (3GA) platform technology is focused on silencing the mRNA associated with disease
causing genes. Idera has designed 3GA oligonucleotides to overcome specific challenges associated with earlier generation
antisense technologies and RNAi technologies.
About Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Idera Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel nucleic acid-based therapies for the treatment
of certain cancers and rare diseases. Idera’s proprietary technology involves using a TLR-targeting technology, to design synthetic
oligonucleotide-based drug candidates to act by modulating the activity of specific TLRs. In addition to its TLR programs, Idera
has created a third generation antisense technology platform using its proprietary technology to inhibit the production of
disease-associated proteins by targeting RNA. To learn more about Idera, visit www.iderapharma.com.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements about potential treatments for cancer or
other diseases employing combinations of drug therapies including Idera’s third generation gene silencing technology. Such
statements may be identified by words such as "believe," "expect," "may," "plan," "potential," "will" and similar expressions, and
are based on the company’s current beliefs and expectations. Development of drug therapies involves a high degree of risk, and only
a small percentage of research and development programs undertaken may result in the commercialization of a product. Positive
preclinical data does not ensure that later stage clinical trials will be successful. For more detailed information on the
risks and uncertainties associated with Idera’s development activities, please review the Risk Factors section of Idera's most
recent annual or quarterly or annual report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements
speak only as of the date of this press release and the company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements,
whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Investor Contact: Robert Doody VP, IR & Corporate Communications. 617-679-5515 (office) 484-639-7235 (mobile) rdoody@iderapharma.com
