RNA Therapeutics for Breast Cancer
By Office of the President | Jan 14, 2025
The SUNY Research Foundation recently released a video that showcases groundbreaking research led by Downstate’s Henri Tiedge, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Physiology & Pharmacology, Neurology, and Medicine, and Valerio Berardi, Ph.D., Research Assistant Professor. The video highlights their innovative RNA-based therapy for breast cancer. The SUNY Technology Accelerator Fund (TAF) invested $50,000 in the project, driving significant progress in their research.
Breast cancer continues to rank among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in women, with over 300,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Despite advancements in detection and treatment, therapies often come with prohibitive costs—reaching up to $160K for advanced cases—and severe side effects. These challenges underscore the urgent need for more effective, affordable alternatives.
Drs. Tiedge and Berardi tackle this issue by targeting BC200 RNA, a small non-coding molecule they have identified as a key driver of breast cancer progression. They intend to develop accessible and minimally invasive breast cancer treatments to enhance patient outcomes and alleviate financial burdens. Their innovative siRNA therapeutic approach aims to “silence” BC200 RNA, disrupting molecular processes that fuel cancer growth while potentially reducing side effects and lowering treatment costs. The team submitted a patent application for this technology, highlighting its promise for clinical advancements and commercial opportunities.
The recent TAF funding builds on an earlier investment that supported the development of a blood-based diagnostic tool for detecting BC200 RNA. The researchers are now advancing their therapy into preclinical testing using an animal model created in partnership with Mirimus, Inc., a biotech company located at Downstate’s incubator. These studies represent a critical step toward clinical trials.
The technology shows promise for aggressive cancers like triple-negative breast cancer (TBNC), a form of breast cancer that is more aggressive than others and frequently does not respond to standard treatments. Emerging RNA-based therapies, such as this, offer targeted and cost-effective alternatives to traditional treatments, garnering growing interest from industry and investors alike.
The project also benefits from contributions by clinical collaborator Raavi Gupta, M.D., Professor of Pathology, and Prem Premsrirut, M.D., Ph.D., President and CEO of Mirimus.
TAF strategically invests in SUNY’s most innovative technologies, driving their development and commercialization.
Watch the video here.