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Updated: Feb 5, 2026

Localized RNAi and Ectopic Gene Expression in the Medicinal Leech
Published on: April 17, 2008
Precision medicine with pioneering RNAi therapeutics in ATTR amyloidosis: from bench to bedside
Silvia Malinverni1, Giuseppe Vergaro2, Guglielmo Verona3
1Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
Abstract:
Transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis is a multisystem disease caused by misfolding and aggregation of the plasma protein transthyretin (TTR) into insoluble amyloid fibrils in various organs. In clinical practice, ATTRwt amyloidosis manifests as a predominant cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), while ATTRv amyloidosis is typically associated with polyneuropathy (ATTR-PN) as well as cardiomyopathy. Over the past decade, major advances in the understanding of ATTR pathophysiology have enabled the development of disease-modifying therapies, marking a paradigm shift toward precision medicine in this condition. Among these, RNA-targeted therapies have emerged as a cornerstone of treatment by directly suppressing hepatic production of TTR. This review provides an overview of the biological rationale, molecular mechanisms, and clinical translation of RNA-based therapeutics in ATTR amyloidosis, with a particular focus on RNA interference (RNAi) and antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) strategies. Key mechanistic differences between small interfering RNAs and ASOs are discussed, including intracellular pathways, pharmacokinetic properties, and delivery platforms such as lipid nanoparticles and GalNAc conjugation for hepatocyte-specific targeting. Major clinical trials evaluating first- and second-generation RNA-targeted agents-including patisiran, vutrisiran, inotersen, and eplontersen-are summarized, highlighting efficacy, safety profiles, dosing regimens, and relevance across different ATTR phenotypes. As RNA-based therapies continue to evolve, integration of molecular insights with clinical phenotyping and real-world evidence will be essential to fully realize the potential of precision medicine for patients with ATTR amyloidosis.
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