Within the SIRENE project, we aimed to advance research results on antisense oligonucleotide therapy to silence a microRNA gene in rats and pigs as commercial proof of concept. Activities of the SIRENE project included advancements in chemical optimisation studies to achieve a chemically optimal new compound (“experimental medicine”) for heart failure which was tested first in mice; analysing the optimal dose and timing of delivery of the compound in rats; and finally analysing the optimal route to deliver the compound to the heart in pigs (Task 1). Following a market research (Task 2), an analysis of patentable findings (Task 3) and analysing whether a commercial business case was viable (Task 4), the outcome of the commercial strategy included the launch of the Maastricht University spin-off small biotech company Mirabilis Therapeutics BV (www.mirabilis-therapeutics-com) mid-2015. Mirabilis Therapeutics BV is a Dutch drug development company dedicated to the discovery and development of innovative products in the field of cardiovascular diseases with a front running product indicated against heart failure. The business case for presenting the business proposition of Mirabilis Therapeutics BV has been finalized to propose to strategic partners and venture capitalists for additional investments.
