Intradigm Closes Final Tranche of $21.4 Million Series B...( PALO ALTO Calif. Jan. 7 /- Intrad...)

PALO ALTO, Calif., Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Intradigm Corporation, a leading developer of targeted, systemic RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics, today announced that the company has closed the final tranche of its Series B financing. Astellas Venture Management led the $2.9 million tranche, with existing investor, Lilly Ventures, also participating. The addition of these funds brings the total Series B financing to $21.4 million. Intradigm will use Series B funds to advance its RNAi therapeutics platform, which is comprised of both its siRNA intellectual property, as well as its proprietary delivery technology, toward the development of systemic siRNA therapeutic candidates with an initial focus on cancer targets.

"Intradigm's uniquely comprehensive approach to developing RNAi therapeutics, which encompasses safe and effective delivery, proprietary siRNA sequences and novel structural features for RNAi molecules, makes the company an attractive investment in the rapidly growing RNAi space," said Shinja Yano, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer, Astellas Venture Management LLC. "We are excited to join Intradigm's group of investors and look forward to contributing to the company's future success in recognizing the substantial promise of RNAi as a therapeutic class."

Intradigm today also provided an update on recent corporate developments, announcing that Mohammad Azab, M.D., has resigned his position as chief executive officer but will retain his position on Intradigm's board of directors. Dr. Azab will be succeeded as chief executive officer by Philip Haworth, Ph.D., who previously served as the company's vice president of business development.

"The board would like to thank Dr. Azab for his valuable contributions to building the company and successfully raising the recent Series B financing. We are delighted that he will continue his strategic role on Intradigm's board," said J
'/>"/>