NORTH CHICAGO, Ill.,
Feb. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/
-- Rosalind Franklin University of
Medicine and Science announced today a research collaboration with
the Chicagoland biotech company Exicure Inc. to develop new
therapeutics for genetic diseases.
RFU's Center for Genetic Diseases is working to understand the
mechanisms of dysfunction in inherited disorders and to discover
treatments using small molecule and nucleic acid-based approaches.
It will work closely with Exicure, which is developing a new class
of immunomodulatory and gene-silencing drugs against validated
targets.
It is estimated that more than 10,000 rare diseases that strike
millions of people across the globe are caused by an error in a
single gene in the human DNA, according to the World Health
Organization. Many of these disorders have no effective
treatment.
"Tomorrow's treatments begin with today's research," said RFU
Executive Vice President for Research Dr. Ronald Kaplan. "We are strongly encouraged by
the novel research underway in our Center for Genetic Diseases. Our
collaboration with Exicure builds on both group's expertise in the
field of oligonucleotides as a solution to these often deadly
diseases."
Center Director Dr. Michelle
Hastings, an expert in RNA biology and regulation of gene
expression, has developed patented antisense oligonucleotide
technologies for disorders such as Usher syndrome, which causes
hearing and vision loss, and the devastating childhood disorders,
Batten disease and cystic fibrosis. Antisense technology is based
on a therapeutic platform that has potential applications to a
large number of human conditions, several of which are under
investigation in the Hastings lab.
"New genetic diseases are being discovered at a rapid rate," Dr.
Hastings said. "Our goal is to deliver treatment options for people
diagnosed with or at risk for a genetic disease."
The initial partnership will focus on genetic diseases using
Exicure's spherical nucleic acid (SNA™) architecture, designed to
unlock the potential of therapeutic oligonucleotides in a wide
range of cells and tissues.
Exicure CEO Dr. David Giljohann
said the company is fortunate to collaborate with RFU, a leading
expert in the field of genetic diseases.
"We're fortunate to be working with a world leader in genetic
medicines, so close to our research hub in Chicago, to drive new pathways to innovation
and the identification of successful new therapeutics," Dr.
Giljohann said.
About Rosalind Franklin
University
Rosalind Franklin
University of Medicine and Science is committed to serving
humanity through the interprofessional education of health and
biomedical professionals and the discovery of knowledge dedicated
to improving wellness. Founded in Chicago in 1912, RFU embodies the spirit of
inquiry and excellence modeled by its namesake Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose Photo 51 was crucial to
solving the structure of DNA. Recognized for its research in areas
including neuroscience, brain-related diseases, inherited
disorders, diabetes, obesity, and gait and balance, the university
encompasses the Chicago Medical School, College of Health
Professions, College of Pharmacy, School of Graduate and
Postdoctoral Studies and the Dr. William M.
Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. Learn more
at rosalindfranklin.edu.
About Exicure Inc.
Exicure Inc. (NASDAQ: XCUR) is a
clinical-stage biotechnology company developing therapeutics
for immuno-oncology, inflammatory diseases and genetic disorders
based on our proprietary Spherical Nucleic Acid, or SNA technology.
Exicure believes that its proprietary SNA architecture has distinct
chemical and biological properties that may provide advantages over
other nucleic acid therapeutics and may have therapeutic potential
to target diseases not typically addressed with other nucleic acid
therapeutics. Exicure's lead program is in a Phase 1b/2 trial in patients with advanced solid
tumors. The company is based outside of Chicago, IL, and in Cambridge, MA.
Office of Marketing and Communications
judy.masterson@rosalindfranklin.edu
847-578-8313
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SOURCE Rosalind Franklin University of
Medicine and Science