Modulators of pharmacological agents
AssigneeDuke University
InventorsBruce A. Sullenger, Christopher P Rusconi
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Abstract
The biological activity of nucleic acid ligand is regulated (i.e. enhanced or inhibited) in vivo to produce a desired biological effect. This is accomplished through the administration of a modulator, or regulator, that changes the binding of the nucleic acid ligand for its target or that degrades or otherwise cleaves, metabolizes or breaks down the nucleic acid ligand while the ligand is still exerting its effect. Modulators of the present invention can be administered in real time as needed based on various factors, including the progress of the patient, as well as the physician's discretion in how to achieve optimal therapy. Thus, this invention provides for the first time a regulatable therapeutic regime in the course of nucleic acid ligand therapy.
Claims20
A method of altering the affinity of an aptamer for a target molecule in a host comprising administering to a host a modulator that binds to the aptamer and alters the affinity of the aptamer for the target molecule, wherein the modulator is selected from the group consisting of a ribozyme, a polynucleic acid analogue (PNA);
- a morpholino nucleic acid (MNA);
- a locked nucleic acid (LNA);
- and a pseudo-cyclic oligonucleotide (PCO), wherein binding of the modulator results in degradation, cleavage, metabolism or break down of the aptamer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.