Discovering the first microRNA-targeted drug

J Cell Biol. 2012 Oct 29;199(3):407-12. doi: 10.1083/jcb.201208082.

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important post-transcriptional regulators of nearly every biological process in the cell and play key roles in the pathogenesis of human disease. As a result, there are many drug discovery programs that focus on developing miRNA-based therapeutics. The most advanced of these programs targets the liver-expressed miRNA-122 using the locked nucleic acid (LNA)-modified antisense oligonucleotide miravirsen. Here, we describe the discovery of miravirsen, which is currently in phase 2 clinical trials for treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Hepacivirus / genetics
  • Hepatitis C / genetics
  • Hepatitis C / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Liver / metabolism*
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy*
  • Oligonucleotides / administration & dosage
  • Oligonucleotides, Antisense / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • MicroRNAs
  • Oligonucleotides
  • Oligonucleotides, Antisense
  • locked nucleic acid