NEW YORK, Dec. 8, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MASS Communications today announced completion of a comprehensive rebuild of Sarepta Therapeutics' IT infrastructure. The technology ensures the growing Cambridge-based biomedical firm can collaborate more effectively as an R&D organization in its mission to develop innovative RNA-based therapeutics for diseases, ranging from a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy to Ebola.

MASS Communications deployed Ethernet-over-fiber and MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching) in each of the company's four locations, as part of a three-year networking contract. MASS also replaced Sarepta's previous voice network with a new system that can support volume traffic, including multiple simultaneous Wi-Fi calls. Data services include primary and backup fiber solutions.

"The work our team of scientists and doctors do can save lives. For us, uptime is an absolute must," says Steve Aschettino, Director of IT and Facilities for Sarepta.

The company, originally named AntiVirals, Inc., was founded in 1980 in Corvallis, Oregon, as an R&D venture of a former Oregon State University professor. It has since grown to 200 staff now headquartered in Cambridge, Mass. Sarepta focuses on developing therapeutics for rare and infectious diseases, including Marburg and Ebola, as well as their lead program, eteplirsen, a treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a rare genetic disease that affects about one in 3,500 boys.

With the new infrastructure in place, Sarepta's IT team can now focus on applications to support the business. "We are now rolling out a corporate internet on Microsoft SharePoint® and will be implementing ERP sometime over the next 15 months.

"Our connections are fast, secure, monitored and redundant," says Aschettino of the MASS solution that has been live since March.

Darren Mass, CEO, MASS Communications, says his company juggled multiple fiber rollouts to meet Sarepta's expansion needs, which will soon include improvements to a recently acquired manufacturing facility.

"We are gratified to help this fast-growing biomedical organization achieve its networking goals by leveraging our advanced network designs and back office support," he says.

About Sarepta Therapeutics

Sarepta Therapeutics is focused on developing first-in-class RNA-based therapeutics to improve and save the lives of people affected by serious and life-threatening rare and infectious diseases. Sarepta's diverse pipeline includes its lead program, eteplirsen, for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, as well as potential treatments for some of the world's most lethal infectious diseases. Sarepta aims to build a leading, independent biotech company dedicated to translating its RNA-based science into transformational therapeutics for patients who face significant unmet medical needs. For more information, please visit us at www.sarepta.com.

ABOUT MASS Communications

MASS Communications, a leading connectivity and telecom management provider, takes a consultative approach to deliver a full suite of voice, data, risk management and security solutions. Founded by engineering innovators, MASS designs custom networks with best-in-class carriers across an international footprint. The New York-based Competitive Local Exchange Carrier made the Inc. 500|5000 List for two years running in 2013 and 2014. For more information, visit www.masscommgroup.com.