"While the demonstrated inhibition of pulmonary metastasis formation was a positive and important outcome of this study, equally important is what we learned regarding the manner in which Atu027 is able to achieve this effect.  These findings showed that in addition to our previously published research demonstrating its ability to inhibit metastasis through the lymphatic system, Atu027 also appears to interrupt the metastatic processes that involve blood flow to the lung," stated Klaus Giese, Ph.D., chief scientific officer at Silence Therapeutics.  "Importantly, these data provide us with evidence that Atu027, which targets vascular endothelial cells, may be modulating not only the tumor vasculature itself, but the pulmonary vasculature as well."

"We are very pleased to be able to continue to identify the mechanisms that drive Atu027's therapeutic activity while concurrently advancing the product through its ongoing Phase 1 study.  Building this collection of novel data on Atu027 will only serve to inform our ongoing development efforts and allow us to maximize the opportunity for success with this program," said Philip Haworth, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Silence Therapeutics.

Atu027, a liposomal AtuRNAi?„? formulation in clinical development for systemic cancer indications, is one of the most clinically advanced RNAi therapeutics in the area of oncology.  In June 2009, Silence initiated an open-label, single-centre, dose-escalation Phase I study with Atu027 in patients with advanced solid (malignant) tumors involving single, as well as, repeated intravenous administration.  The study is expected to be completed early in the second half of 2011.

SOURCE Silence Therapeutics plc