London-based Silence Therapeutics, a global RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics company, has announced plans to close its U.S. operations in conjunction with a recent fundraising round.

The U.S. facility is scheduled to close during the third quarter of 2011. As part of the reorganization, Phil Haworth will step down as CEO once a successor is identified, as previously announced. Recruitment of a new CEO is ongoing.

Silence will continue the following drug development plans: Complete the ongoing phase I trial of Atu027 for treatment of advanced solid cancer in the second half of 2011; initiate a phase Ib trial of Atu027 in particular tumor types in mid-2012; file an IND with the FDA for Atu134 for the treatment of solid tumors in the second half of 2012; and advance pre-clinical development of Atu111 for systemic delivery to the lung for the treatment of pulmonary disease.