Technology

Aptamer therapeutics has many attractive attributes. Like monoclonal antibodies, they have similar molecular recognition properties, high binding affinity and specificity to their targets. [*]. Aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotides that fold in specific well-defined, three-dimensional shapes, which allow them to interact with a folded, three-dimensional protein target, like a key in a lock. Unlike monoclonal antibodies, aptamers have not been observed to be immunogenic; because nucleic acids are not typically recognized by the human immune system as foreign agents, aptamers do not generally trigger an antibody response. The three-dimensional structure of aptamers creates a large surface area of interaction between an aptamer and its target protein, making aptamers ideally suited for blocking protein-protein interactions. Furthermore, since aptamers interact with proteins found on the surface of and outside cells, aptamers do not have to cross the cell membrane, which may make it easier to deliver an effective quantity of aptamer to the target. Aptamers are chemically stable and can be rationally designed to resist metabolic degradation in the human body. Using standard, defined chemical modifications and conjugations, aptamers can be specifically engineered to have an optimal half-life, or the ability to maintain effective concentration. Aptamers are chemically synthesized allowing for rapid, scalable and reproducible production at lower costs.

*Mayer G, Andreas J. Aptamers in Research and Drug Development. BioDrugs: Volume 18(6)2004.pp315-359