Novel ribozyme and its use

Abstract

This invention concerns an enzymatic RNA molecule which is capable of specifically cleaving matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13) (also called collagenase-3) messenger RNA. The invention concerns further a pharmaceutical composition comprising the novel ribozyme and an expression vector encoding the same, and a composition comprising said vector. Furthermore, the invention concerns further a method for reducing or eliminating the expression of MMP-13 in vivo; a method for treating or preventing cancer, or preventing or inhibiting cancer growth, invasion or metastasis; and a method for treating or preventing various inflammatory conditions. The invention concerns also methods for detecting the level of MMP-13 in a tissue or body fluid, and the use of this information for the diagnosis of MMP-13 related diseases.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.