Idera program targets RNA to inhibit disease-associated proteins

Idera Pharmaceuticals Inc. recently announced pre-clinical data that demonstrates the process of gene-silencing by third generation antisense (3GA) oligonucleotides.

The presentation of "Precise excision of targeted RNA by third generation antisense oligonucleotide" will be made at the Cold Springs Harbor Laboratory Conference.

“Our in-depth understanding from our pioneering work in antisense technology along with our insights into the interaction of nucleic acids with toll-like receptors has allowed us to design this very unique technology platform to fully realize the potential of antisense technology,” Idera Pharmaceuticals President of Research Sudhir Agrawal said. “We are continuing to conduct pre-clinical studies with multiple 3GA candidates in house and with our collaborators, with a goal of advancing this technology to clinical development.”

The 3GA oligonucleotides are designed to silence the mRNA that are associated with disease-causing genes. The 3GAs are specific to the genes and if mismatched, lose the ability for gene-silencing activity.

Idera's research on nucleic acids has led to the development of targeted treatments for mutation-specific B-cell lymphomas and solid tumors. The 3GA oligonucleotides are being assessed for cancer treatments. In addition, the company is developing therapies to treat rare diseases that currently have few or no treatments available.