Download this news release in pdf:

Sylentis receives authorization to begin Phase I testing for SYL040012 for the treatment of ocular hypertension associated to glaucoma.

• SYL040012 is a new compound, resulting from Sylentis’ R&D program  in the field of ophthalmology
• It is indicated for the treatment of ocular hypertension and glaucoma prevention
• SYL040012 is a chemical entity belonging to RNA interfering group
• It decreases intraocular pressure by inhibiting expression of b-adrenergic receptors

Sylentis, a bio-pharmaceutical company subsidiary of Zeltia Group Zeltia Group (MC:ZEL), is pioneer in the research and development of new drugs based on the gene silencing technology, known as RNA interference (RNAi). Sylentis has just received authorization from the Spanish regulatory agency to begin Phase I clinical testing with SYL040012 for the treatment of ocular hypertension.

The aim of this Phase I clinical study is to establish the tolerability and effect of SYL040012 on intraocular pressure. This is the first time that a clinical study with a drug based on RNA interference technology is carried out in Spain. This Phase I study will take place at the Unit for Phase I Clinical Assays at the Clínica Universitaria de Navarra on healthy volunteers.

The main objective of any Phase I clinical study is to establish the clinical safety of a drug. The development of a drug cannot continue unless the outcome of this phase is positive. Participants in Phase I studies are carefully monitored so as to ensure safety.

About SYL040012

SYL040012 is an interfering RNA specific for adrenergic receptor b-2. It has proven in vivo efficacy reducing intraocular pressure. It has also displayed a prophylactic effect on glaucoma prevention in all the animal models used, improving the results with other commercial drugs used as comparators.

About Sylentis

Founded in 2006, subsidiary of the Zeltia Group and spin-off from Genomica (also belonging to Zeltia), Sylentis is a pioneering company in Spain within the area of novel therapies based on RNA interfering technology. Its strategy is directed towards the efficient design of siRNAs (short interfering RNAs) using bioinformatic tools such as SIRFINDER™, which allows the optimal design of small fragments of RNA (siRNAs) with pharmacological potential.

Sylentis has initially centred its activity on the development of therapies for the treatment of glaucoma/ocular hypertension, indication to which the most advanced compounds are oriented at present.

Sylentis is also working on other research areas whose compounds are in R&D or preclinical stages.

About RNA interference

In recent years, RNA interference has appeared as a promising technology with therapeutic applications, its potential being widely recognised with Nobel Prize being granted to its discoverers, Fire and Mello, in 2006. This phenomenon, first described in the 90s in plants, consists of a selective and specific inhibition of gene expression in a highly efficient manner. RNA interference is mediated by small fragments of double-stranded RNA consisting of 19-23 nucleotides. These molecules direct degradation of specific mRNA molecules, thus inhibiting synthesis of proteins responsible for a given pathology. RNA interference has a great potential: this mechanism is used naturally by the cells to regulated gene expression in a non-toxic and highly efficient manner.

For more information:

Media relations: tel +34 91 486 6000
Fernando Mugarza

Capital Markets: tel +34 91 444 4500
Alfonso Hurtado de Mendoza
Florencia Radizza