Can biotechnology startups turn what were once accidental discoveries into a purposeful way to hit hard-to-reach disease targets?
Infused or injectable medicines that interfere with RNA, the messenger molecules that turn genetic instructions into proteins, have taken the spotlight in recent years, winning approvals for several rare diseases. A group of biotechnology startups are trying to find similar success by targeting RNA with pills instead.
History shows they face a daunting task. It’s long been considered futile to use chemical-based compounds to go after RNA because of its shifty nature. When scientists have succeeded, it’s typically been by accident. Last decade, for instance, Merck & Co. discovered an experimental antibiotic it was developing blocked a type of bacterial RNA. Pfizer inadvertently found one of its drug prospects affected translation of a protein that regulates cholesterol.
Now, drugmakers are doing it intentionally. Helped by better sequencing technologies, screening methods and a broader understanding of RNA, researchers can more easily capture how the information molecules look and design drugs that attach to them.
If successful, they could help unlock disease targets that small molecules can’t currently reach, bringing forward new ways to treat neurodegenerative disorders, cancer and other diseases.
For more information visit:
SKYHAWK MEDIA CONTACT:
Maura McCarthy
Commentaires