miRagen and Archemix to Collaborate on Conjugated Aptamer-microRNA Therapeutics – miRagen Therapeutics, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative microRNA-based therapeutics for cardiovascular and muscle disease, and Archemix Corp., a biotechnology company focused on developing aptamer therapeutics, announced today that the two companies will collaborate on conjugated aptamer-microRNA therapies capable of intracellular delivery and subsequent microRNA targeting. More

Archemix and Dicerna to Collaborate on Conjugated Aptamer-Dicer Substrate RNAi Therapeutics – Archemix Corp., a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing aptamer therapeutics, and Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a second generation RNA interference (RNAi) company developing novel therapeutics utilizing its proprietary Dicer Substrate Technology™ and dicer substrate RNA (DsiRNA) molecules, announced today that the two companies have entered into an agreement to collaborate on aptamer-DsiRNA therapeutics that leverage both the intracellular delivery capabilities of Archemix’s aptamers, and the potent gene silencing of Dicerna’s DsiRNA molecules. More

Archemix Appoints Ken Bate as President and Chief Executive Officer – Mr. Bate is a biotech executive with more than two decades of leadership experience in the industry. “Ken's proven track record of achievement as a life sciences executive in a variety of roles and as an advisor to the industry makes him an ideal leader for Archemix,” said Peter Barrett, Ph.D. Partner at Atlas Venture and the Lead Director of the Archemix Board of Directors. “We look forward to continued execution of the Archemix business strategy under Ken’s leadership.” More

Archemix Initiates Phase 2a for Lead Aptamer Product Candidate ARC1779 – Archemix announced that it has initiated a Phase 2a clinical trial of its novel anti-von Willebrand Factor (VWF) aptamer, ARC1779. The trial is designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ARC1779 as a potential first-in-class anti-platelet agent in patients with carotid artery disease undergoing a surgical procedure known as carotid endarterectomy, or CEA. More

Archemix Announces Continued Progress with Business Strategy – Archemix Corp. announced that it has initiated a Phase 2b clinical trial of its novel anti-von Willebrand Factor (vWF) aptamer, ARC1779. Archemix also announced that as part of a transition plan, Duncan Higgons, formerly the Executive Vice President of Business Operations, will become President and interim Chief Executive Officer. Errol De Souza, who previously served as Chief Executive Officer, will continue as a member of the board of directors of Archemix. In addition, Archemix announced today that it has received notice from Nitromed that NitroMed has received a superior offer and has accordingly terminated the merger agreement between the parties. More