Merck & Co., Inc. (Whitehouse Station, NJ, www.merck.com) will purchase Sirna Therapeutics (San Francisco, CA, www.sirna.com), a biotechnology company developing a new class of medicines based on RNA interference (RNAi) technology, for $1.1 billion.
Merck & Co., Inc. (Whitehouse Station, NJ, www.merck.com) will purchase Sirna Therapeutics (San Francisco, CA, www.sirna.com), a biotechnology company developing a new class of medicines based on RNA interference (RNAi) technology, for $1.1 billion. The acquisition of Sirna complements the research on RNA expression that Merck has been doing since its 2001 acquisition of Rosetta Inpharmatics, Inc.
Sirna Therapeutics has been at the forefront of efforts to create RNAi-based therapeutics, which could significantly alter the treatment of disease. RNAi-based therapeutics selectively catalyze the destruction of the RNA transcribed from an individual gene. This enables an entirely novel approach to developing drugs with the potential to produce highly specific, potent, and long-lasting effects. Sirna’s lead clinical candidate, Sirna-027, is currently moving into Phase 2 trials for the treatment of the wet form of age-related macular degeneration, in a collaboration with Allergan.
RNAi was discovered in 1998 by Andrew Z. Fire of Stanford University and Craig C. Mello of the University of Massachusetts. Fire and Mello won this year’s Nobel Prize for physiology or medicine for that discovery.
Merck's decision to acquire Sirna will accelerate the development of RNAi-based therapeutics. Under the terms of the agreement, Merck will acquire 100% of the equity of Sirna at a price of $13 per share in cash, making Sirna a wholly owned subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. The two companies expect to complete the acquisition in the first quarter of 2007.
The Future of Cleanroom Construction: How Hybrid Solutions are Changing the Game
May 14th 2025Imagine a world where cleanroom facilities—essential for pharmaceutical manufacturing, biotechnology, and high-tech industries—are built with unparalleled speed, precision, and efficiency. That world is here, thanks to the hybrid construction approach. By blending traditional stick-built methods with modular and prefabricated solutions, companies are overcoming the limitations of conventional construction while ensuring compliance with stringent industry regulations. In this interview, we explore how hybrid cleanroom construction is transforming the industry, offering faster project timelines, improved quality control, and significant cost advantages. Join us as we delve into this game-changing approach with industry experts who are leading the charge in revolutionizing cleanroom infrastructure.
Mastering Antibody-Drug Conjugates
December 19th 2024In this episode, we explore BIOVECTRA’s capabilities in antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) manufacturing, from complex conjugation chemistry to synthesis of highly potent payloads. We’ll also showcase how BIOVECTRA’s extensive experience in complex chemistries and specialized small molecule manufacturing gives them a unique perspective, strengthening their approach to ADC production and ensuring clients receive custom solutions across all project stages.