Gene-targeted therapeutic strategies--Royal Pharmaceutical Society Symposium. 9-10 December 1999, London, UK.
This meeting highlighted the approaches that are currently available for gene-targeted therapeutics. The meeting focused on two strategies: antigene and anti-message. Polyamides (an example of antigene targeting) have exhibited significant antiviral activity, particularly against AIDS. The design of these agents and the mechanisms by which these compounds interact with DNA were discussed. Antisense oligonucleotides and ribozymes, agents used in the anti-message strategies, are proving to be attractive drug candidates for cancer chemotherapy. Antisense technology has been used for patients with B-cell lymphomas, resulting in complete remission of the disease in some cases. The unavailability of appropriate delivery systems for these DNA-targeting drugs continues to limit their widespread use. As was emphasized in this meeting, DNA-targeting drugs will continue to play an important role in clinical medicine for the foreseeable future.
Stephens
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Imperial College School of Medicine at St Mary's, Academic Department of Paediatrics, QEQM Wing, South Wharf Road, London, W2 1PG, UK. a.stephens@ic.ac.uk