21 January 2021 - - France-based pharmaceutical group Servier and RNA activation therapeutics specialist MiNA Therapeutics have forged a research partnership to identify and develop small activating RNA (saRNA) therapies for the treatment of neurological disorders, the companies said.

As part of the collaboration, MiNA Therapeutics will use its saRNA platform to identify new potential treatments to restore normal cell function in neurological disorders.

Servier will be responsible for preclinical and clinical development of lead candidates and will have the rights for the commercialization of any products resulting from the collaboration.

Under the terms of the agreement, MiNA Therapeutics will receive an upfront payment and an exclusivity fee on certain neurological targets of interest.

Subsequently, MiNA will be entitled to research and development, regulatory and commercial milestones and royalties.

Servier is a global pharmaceutical group governed by a Foundation.

Relying on a solid geographical presence and revenue of EUR 4.7bn in 2020 achieved in 150 countries, Servier employs 22,500 people worldwide.

Servier is an independent group that invests over 20% of its brand-name revenue in Research and Development every year.

To accelerate therapeutic innovation for the benefit of patients, the Group is committed to open and collaborative innovation with academic partners, pharmaceutical groups, and biotech companies.

It also integrates the patient's voice at the heart of its activities, from research to support beyond the pill.