Therapeutic applications of aptamers.
Aptamers constitute a new class of oligonucleotides that have gained therapeutic importance. With the approval of the first aptamer drug, pegaptanib, interest in this class of oligonucleotides, often referred to as 'chemical antibodies', has increased. This article discusses aptamers in relation to other oligonucleotide molecules such as antisense nucleotides, short inhibitory sequences, ribozymes and so on. The development of pegaptanib is looked at from the point of view of the challenges faced in converting aptamers into therapeutic molecules. Cases of other aptamers, which show promise as drugs, are discussed in slightly greater detail. Comparison with antibodies and small molecules, which have hitherto held monopoly in this area, is also made.
Kaur
Gurjot
G
National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Department of Biotechnology, Sector 67, SAS. Nagar, Punjab 160 062, India. ipsita@niper.ac.in
Roy
Ipsita
I
D000818:Animals; D052157:Aptamers, Nucleotide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D015195:Drug Design; D006801:Humans; D052156:SELEX Aptamer Technique
D052157:Aptamers, Nucleotide