Sirana Pharma GmbH, a Martinsried-based biotechnology company focusing on the development of innovative and effective treatments for unmet medical needs in muscle and bone diseases, announced in late June a collaborative research agreement with Pfizer Inc. to investigate the potential identification and validation of a novel treatment concept for a rare bone disease. The collaboration will utilize Sirana’s proprietary microRNA (miRNA)-targeting approach, which targets substantial regenerative recovery of diseased muscle and bone tissue.

“Combining Sirana’s novel miRNA-targeting approach, and the long-standing experience in musculoskeletal disorders and disease mechanisms of its founders, with the expertise and competencies of Pfizer will allow Sirana to expeditiously evaluate its drug candidates for the treatment of this rare disease and to identify potential candidates for further development,” stated Michael Kring, CEO of Sirana Pharma GmbH.

“At Pfizer, we are committed to advancing promising, emerging research – both through our internal capabilities and through collaborations with companies like Sirana – with the goal of bringing potentially life-changing medicines to patients around the world,” said Seng H. Cheng, Ph.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer, Pfizer Rare Disease. “We look forward to working together with the Sirana team to further explore this new and innovative investigational approach, utilizing miRNA-targeting for the potential treatment of rare bone diseases.”

Sirana Pharma develops therapies for unmet medical needs in musculoskeletal diseases
Sirana Pharma GmbH is a privately held biotech company located at the IZB in Martinsried, Germany, which focuses on the development of treatments for unmet medical needs in muscle and bone diseases aimed at restoring musculoskeletal health. Sirana has discovered a novel, innovative mode of action for the treatment of several musculoskeletal disorders and patented a microRNA-targeting approach, which targets substantial regenerative recovery of diseased skeletal muscle and bone tissue. Initially, Sirana focuses on the development of first-in-class molecules to treat Sarcopenia – age related muscle weakness – and Osteogenesis imperfecta – inherited brittle bone disease (an orphan drug indication).