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Exploring Sequence Space to Identify Binding Sites for Regulatory RNA-Binding Proteins
Published on: August 9, 2019
Aptamers as candidate therapeutics for cardiovascular indications
Anthony D Keefe1, Robert G Schaub
1Archemix Corporation, 300 Third Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA. keefe@archemix.com
Current Opinion in Pharmacology
|January 29, 2008
Summary
Therapeutic aptamers, modified for better drug properties, are advancing treatment options. Current clinical applications include anticoagulation and antithrombosis, with more cardiovascular aptamer therapies in development.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The first therapeutic aptamer gained approval in 2004, marking a milestone in nucleic acid-based therapeutics.
- Recent advancements in chemical modifications have significantly enhanced the drug-like characteristics and utility of aptamers.
- Aptamers are currently utilized in clinical settings for anticoagulant and antithrombotic therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current landscape and therapeutic potential of aptamers in medicine.
- To highlight the impact of chemical modifications on aptamer efficacy and application.
- To discuss the progression of aptamer-based cardiovascular therapies from early-stage research to clinical use.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of aptamer development and clinical applications.
- Analysis of chemical modifications improving aptamer properties.
- Examination of ongoing research in aptamer-based cardiovascular targets.
Main Results:
- The successful clinical application of anticoagulant and antithrombotic aptamers.
- Demonstrated improvement in aptamer utility through chemical substitutions.
- Identification of numerous early-stage aptamer projects targeting various cardiovascular diseases.
Conclusions:
- Aptamers represent a versatile therapeutic modality with proven clinical success.
- Chemical modifications are key to unlocking the full potential of aptamers.
- The pipeline of aptamer-based therapies, particularly for cardiovascular conditions, is robust and promising.
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