PASADENA, Calif.—Arrowhead Research Corp. said Monday that it acquired gene-silencing technology in a deal with Swiss drugmaker Roche.
Arrowhead said the deal gives it three types of drug-delivery technologies and all of Roche's existing RNA interference operations and facilities in Madison, which have about 40 employees.
Roche took a stake in Arrowhead as part of the deal, and it also has the right to negotiate some products, milestone payments and royalties on sales. The companies did not disclose the financial terms of the deal.
RNA interference technology targets and shuts off certain genes associated with cancer and other diseases.
Roche acquired the assets in late 2008, when it acquired Mirus Bio Corp. for $125 million.
Shares of Arrowhead rose 4 cents, or 7.6 percent, to close at 50 cents Monday.
