Sirna Therapeutics Inc.

The University of Colorado Connection

Founded in 1992, Sirna Therapeutics was one of the earliest biotechnology companies focused on developing therapeutics based on RNA interference (RNAi), specifically using small interfering RNA (siRNA) to silence disease-related genes. The scientific foundation for Sirna was pioneered by Thomas Cech (CU Boulder Biochemistry), co-founder of the company and a global leader in the field of RNA. The company sought to create a new class of nucleic acid medicines for various diseases. 

Sirna was acquired by Merck & Co. for approximately $1.1 billion in 2006, with its foundational RNAi platform forming the basis for subsequent major drug development efforts in the industry.

Funding Status and Investment Opportunities

• Industry Applications: Health and Wellness, Biotech, Genomics, Therapeutics
• Funding Stage: Exit

Technology Development Funding

U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH)

    This page was last updated on Nov. 6, 2025. Please email vpnews@colorado.edu for corrections or updates