BOULDER - Researchers discovered miRagen Therapeutics Inc.'s drug miR-206 could be used to treat neuromuscular diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

The Boulder-based biopharmaceutical company studied the genes in mice to determine that its drug could be used to counteract the muscle degeneration in diseases like ALS.

"It's definitely an early stage but extremely exciting opportunity," said William S. Marshall, miRagen's president and chief executive officer.

ALS patients experience a degeneration of synapses between nerve endings and muscles ultimately resulting in the lack of muscle control and ability to move. miRagen suspects its miR-206 could prevent or slow that.

"The drug has been shown to keep the interface between nerve and muscle in order," Marshall said.

Now the company will work to reproduce the results on mice using its drug instead of simply looking at genes. Marshall hopes to have some initial results in the next six months.