Using RNAi in the clinic

RNA interference (RNAi) is a biological process that controls gene silencing in all living cells. Targeting the RNAi system represents a novel therapeutic strategy that has the ability to intercede with multiple disease-related genes and so target many human diseases. Recently, the design of small interfering RNA (siRNA)-selective compounds has become more straightforward because of the significant progress made in predictive modeling. Exciting new data show that siRNA blocks gene function in vivo, suggesting that it has potential as a therapeutic approach for humans. This article highlights recent advances in siRNA research and discusses the aims of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries to progress siRNA compounds into the clinical. In the fight against disease, the use of RNAi is a powerful new tactic that adds to the arsenal of small-molecule inhibitors and antibody-blocking approaches.