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Jin B, Guo Z, Chen Z, Chen H, Li S, Deng Y, Jin L, Liu Y, Zhang Y, He N. Aptamers in cancer therapy: problems and new breakthroughs. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:1609-1627. [PMID: 36744587 DOI: 10.1039/d2tb02579e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Aptamers, a class of oligonucleotides that can bind with molecular targets with high affinity and specificity, have been widely applied in research fields including biosensing, imaging, diagnosing, and therapy of diseases. However, compared with the rapid development in the research fields, the clinical application of aptamers is progressing at a much slower speed, especially in the therapy of cancer. Obstructions including nuclease degradation, renal clearance, a complex selection process, and potential side effects have inhibited the clinical transformation of aptamer-conjugated drugs. To overcome these problems, taking certain measures to improve the biocompatibility and stability of aptamer-conjugated drugs in vivo is necessary. In this review, the obstructions mentioned above are thoroughly discussed and the methods to overcome these problems are introduced in detail. Furthermore, landmark research works and the most recent studies on aptamer-conjugated drugs for cancer therapy are also listed as examples, and the future directions of research for aptamer clinical transformation are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baijiang Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
| | - Zhukang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
| | - Zhu Chen
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou 412007, Hunan, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou 412007, Hunan, China
| | - Song Li
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou 412007, Hunan, China
| | - Yan Deng
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou 412007, Hunan, China
| | - Lian Jin
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou 412007, Hunan, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
| | - Yuanying Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Nanjing 210009, P. R. China
| | - Nongyue He
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China. .,Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou 412007, Hunan, China
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2
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Goyenvalle A, Jimenez-Mallebrera C, van Roon W, Sewing S, Krieg AM, Arechavala-Gomeza V, Andersson P. Considerations in the Preclinical Assessment of the Safety of Antisense Oligonucleotides. Nucleic Acid Ther 2023; 33:1-16. [PMID: 36579950 PMCID: PMC9940817 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2022.0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The nucleic acid therapeutics field has made tremendous progress in the past decades. Continuous advances in chemistry and design have led to many successful clinical applications, eliciting even more interest from researchers including both academic groups and drug development companies. Many preclinical studies in the field focus on improving the delivery of antisense oligonucleotide drugs (ONDs) and/or assessing their efficacy in target tissues, often neglecting the evaluation of toxicity, at least in early phases of development. A series of consensus recommendations regarding regulatory considerations and expectations have been generated by the Oligonucleotide Safety Working Group and the Japanese Research Working Group for the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use S6 and Related Issues (WGS6) in several white papers. However, safety aspects should also be kept in sight in earlier phases while screening and designing OND to avoid subsequent failure in the development phase. Experts and members of the network "DARTER," a COST Action funded by the Cooperation in Science and Technology of the EU, have utilized their collective experience working with OND, as well as their insights into OND-mediated toxicities, to generate a series of consensus recommendations to assess OND toxicity in early stages of preclinical research. In the past few years, several publications have described predictive assays, which can be used to assess OND-mediated toxicity in vitro or ex vivo to filter out potential toxic candidates before moving to in vivo phases of preclinical development, that is, animal toxicity studies. These assays also have the potential to provide translational insight since they allow a safety evaluation in human in vitro systems. Yet, small preliminary in vivo studies should also be considered to complement this early assessment. In this study, we summarize the state of the art and provide guidelines and recommendations on the different tests available for these early stage preclinical assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Goyenvalle
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, END-ICAP, Versailles, France.,Address correspondence to: Aurélie Goyenvalle, PhD, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, END-ICAP, Versailles 78000, France
| | - Cecilia Jimenez-Mallebrera
- Laboratorio de Investigación Aplicada en Enfermedades Neuromusculares, Unidad de Patología Neuromuscular, Servicio de Neuropediatría, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain.,Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Genética, Microbiología y Estadística, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Willeke van Roon
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sabine Sewing
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Arthur M. Krieg
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Virginia Arechavala-Gomeza
- Neuromuscular Disorders, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.,Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Patrik Andersson
- Safety Innovation, Safety Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Address correspondence to: Patrik Andersson, PhD, Safety Innovation, Safety Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Pepparedsleden 1, Mölndal, Gothenburg 431 83, Sweden
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3
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Ke W, Chandler M, Cedrone E, Saito RF, Rangel MC, de Souza Junqueira M, Wang J, Shi D, Truong N, Richardson M, Rolband LA, Dréau D, Bedocs P, Chammas R, Dokholyan NV, Dobrovolskaia MA, Afonin KA. Locking and Unlocking Thrombin Function Using Immunoquiescent Nucleic Acid Nanoparticles with Regulated Retention In Vivo. NANO LETTERS 2022; 22:5961-5972. [PMID: 35786891 PMCID: PMC9511123 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c02019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The unbalanced coagulation of blood is a life-threatening event that requires accurate and timely treatment. We introduce a user-friendly biomolecular platform based on modular RNA-DNA anticoagulant fibers programmed for reversible extracellular communication with thrombin and subsequent control of anticoagulation via a "kill-switch" mechanism that restores hemostasis. To demonstrate the potential of this reconfigurable technology, we designed and tested a set of anticoagulant fibers that carry different thrombin-binding aptamers. All fibers are immunoquiescent, as confirmed in freshly collected human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. To assess interindividual variability, the anticoagulation is confirmed in the blood of human donors from the U.S. and Brazil. The anticoagulant fibers reveal superior anticoagulant activity and prolonged renal clearance in vivo in comparison to free aptamers. Finally, we confirm the efficacy of the "kill-switch" mechanism in vivo in murine and porcine models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weina Ke
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Morgan Chandler
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Edward Cedrone
- Nanotechnology Characterization Lab., Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Renata F Saito
- Centro de Investigação Translacional em Oncologia (LIM24), Departamento de Radiologia e Oncologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo and Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 01246-903, Brazil
| | - Maria Cristina Rangel
- Centro de Investigação Translacional em Oncologia (LIM24), Departamento de Radiologia e Oncologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo and Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 01246-903, Brazil
| | - Mara de Souza Junqueira
- Centro de Investigação Translacional em Oncologia (LIM24), Departamento de Radiologia e Oncologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo and Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 01246-903, Brazil
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, United States
| | - Da Shi
- Nanotechnology Characterization Lab., Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Nguyen Truong
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Melina Richardson
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Lewis A Rolband
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Didier Dréau
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Peter Bedocs
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, United States
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland 20817, United States
| | - Roger Chammas
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
- Centro de Investigação Translacional em Oncologia (LIM24), Departamento de Radiologia e Oncologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo and Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 01246-903, Brazil
| | - Nikolay V Dokholyan
- Department of Pharmacology, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Marina A Dobrovolskaia
- Nanotechnology Characterization Lab., Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Kirill A Afonin
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
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4
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Andersson P. Preclinical Safety Assessment of Therapeutic Oligonucleotides. METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (CLIFTON, N.J.) 2022; 2434:355-370. [PMID: 35213031 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2010-6_25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
During the last decade, therapeutic oligonucleotide drugs (OND) have witnessed a tremendous development in chemistry and mechanistic understanding that have translated into successful clinical applications. Depending on the specific OND mechanism, chemistry, and design, the DMPK and toxicity properties can vary significantly between different OND classes and delivery approaches, the latter including lipid formulations or conjugation approaches to enhance productive OND uptake. At the same time, with the only difference between compounds being the nucleobase sequence, ONDs with same mechanism of action, chemistry, and design show relatively consistent behavior, allowing certain extrapolations between compounds within an OND class. This chapter provides a summary of the most common toxicities, the improved mechanistic understanding and the safety assessment activities performed for therapeutic oligonucleotides during the drug discovery and development process. Several of the considerations described for therapeutic applications should also be of value for the scientists mainly using oligonucleotides as research tools to explore various biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrik Andersson
- Safety Innovation, Safety Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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5
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6
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Valenzuela A, Tardiveau C, Ayuso M, Buyssens L, Bars C, Van Ginneken C, Fant P, Leconte I, Braendli-Baiocco A, Parrott N, Schmitt G, Tessier Y, Barrow P, Van Cruchten S. Safety Testing of an Antisense Oligonucleotide Intended for Pediatric Indications in the Juvenile Göttingen Minipig, including an Evaluation of the Ontogeny of Key Nucleases. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:1442. [PMID: 34575518 PMCID: PMC8470776 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13091442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The adult Göttingen Minipig is an acknowledged model for safety assessment of antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) drugs developed for adult indications. To assess whether the juvenile Göttingen Minipig is also a suitable nonclinical model for pediatric safety assessment of ASOs, we performed an 8-week repeat-dose toxicity study in different age groups of minipigs ranging from 1 to 50 days of age. The animals received a weekly dose of a phosphorothioated locked-nucleic-acid-based ASO that was assessed previously for toxicity in adult minipigs. The endpoints included toxicokinetic parameters, in-life monitoring, clinical pathology, and histopathology. Additionally, the ontogeny of key nucleases involved in ASO metabolism and pharmacologic activity was investigated using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and nuclease activity assays. Similar clinical chemistry and toxicity findings were observed; however, differences in plasma and tissue exposures as well as pharmacologic activity were seen in the juvenile minipigs when compared with the adult data. The ontogeny study revealed a differential nuclease expression and activity, which could affect the metabolic pathway and pharmacologic effect of ASOs in different tissues and age groups. These data indicate that the juvenile Göttingen Minipig is a promising nonclinical model for safety assessment of ASOs intended to treat disease in the human pediatric population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan Valenzuela
- Comparative Perinatal Development, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (A.V.); (M.A.); (L.B.); (C.B.); (C.V.G.)
| | - Claire Tardiveau
- Charles River Laboratories France Safety Assessment SAS, 69210 Saint-Germain-Nuelles, France; (C.T.); (P.F.); (I.L.)
| | - Miriam Ayuso
- Comparative Perinatal Development, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (A.V.); (M.A.); (L.B.); (C.B.); (C.V.G.)
| | - Laura Buyssens
- Comparative Perinatal Development, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (A.V.); (M.A.); (L.B.); (C.B.); (C.V.G.)
| | - Chloe Bars
- Comparative Perinatal Development, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (A.V.); (M.A.); (L.B.); (C.B.); (C.V.G.)
| | - Chris Van Ginneken
- Comparative Perinatal Development, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (A.V.); (M.A.); (L.B.); (C.B.); (C.V.G.)
| | - Pierluigi Fant
- Charles River Laboratories France Safety Assessment SAS, 69210 Saint-Germain-Nuelles, France; (C.T.); (P.F.); (I.L.)
| | - Isabelle Leconte
- Charles River Laboratories France Safety Assessment SAS, 69210 Saint-Germain-Nuelles, France; (C.T.); (P.F.); (I.L.)
| | - Annamaria Braendli-Baiocco
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, F. Hoffmann-La-Roche, Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland; (A.B.-B.); (N.P.); (G.S.); (Y.T.); (P.B.)
| | - Neil Parrott
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, F. Hoffmann-La-Roche, Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland; (A.B.-B.); (N.P.); (G.S.); (Y.T.); (P.B.)
| | - Georg Schmitt
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, F. Hoffmann-La-Roche, Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland; (A.B.-B.); (N.P.); (G.S.); (Y.T.); (P.B.)
| | - Yann Tessier
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, F. Hoffmann-La-Roche, Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland; (A.B.-B.); (N.P.); (G.S.); (Y.T.); (P.B.)
| | - Paul Barrow
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, F. Hoffmann-La-Roche, Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland; (A.B.-B.); (N.P.); (G.S.); (Y.T.); (P.B.)
| | - Steven Van Cruchten
- Comparative Perinatal Development, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (A.V.); (M.A.); (L.B.); (C.B.); (C.V.G.)
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Zanardi TA, Korbmacher B, Boone L, Engelhardt JA, Wang Y, Burel S, Prill B, Aghajan M, Guo S, Henry SP. Safety, Pharmacokinetic, and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of a 2'-(2-Methoxyethyl)-D-ribose Antisense Oligonucleotide-Triantenarry N-Acetyl-galactosamine Conjugate that Targets the Human Transmembrane Protease Serine 6. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2021; 377:51-63. [PMID: 33431610 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.120.000222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular uptake of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) is one of the main determinants of in vivo activity and potency. A significant advancement in improving uptake into cells has come through the conjugation of ASOs to triantenarry N-acetyl-galactosamine (GalNAc3), a ligand for the asialoglycoprotein receptor on hepatocytes. The impact for antisense oligonucleotides, which are already taken up into hepatocytes, is a 10-fold improvement in potency in mice and up to a 30-fold potency improvement in humans, resulting in overall lower effective dose and exposure levels. 2'-Methoxyethyl-modified antisense oligonucleotide conjugated to GalNAc3 (ISIS 702843) is specific for human transmembrane protease serine 6 and is currently in clinical trials for the treatment of β-thalassemia. This report summarizes a chronic toxicity study of ISIS 702843 in nonhuman primates (NHPs), including pharmacokinetic and pharmacology assessments. Suprapharmacologic doses of ISIS 702843 were well tolerated in NHPs after chronic dosing, and the data indicate that the overall safety profile is very similar to that of the unconjugated 2'-(2-methoxyethyl)-D-ribose (2'-MOE) ASOs. Notably, the GalNAc3 moiety did not cause any new toxicities nor exacerbate the known nonspecific class effects of the 2'-MOE ASOs. This observation was confirmed with multiple GalNAc3-MOE conjugates by querying a data base of monkey studies containing both GalNAc3-conjugated and unconjugated 2'-MOE ASOs. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This report documents the potency, pharmacology, and overall tolerability profile of a triantenarry N-acetyl-galactosamine (GalNAc3)-conjugated 2'-(2-methoxyethyl)-D-ribose (2'-MOE) antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) specific to transmembrane protease serine 6 after chronic treatment in the cynomolgus monkey. Collective analysis of 15 independent GalNAc3-conjugated and unconjugated 2'-MOE ASOs shows the consistency in the dose response and character of hepatic and platelet tolerability across sequences that will result in much larger safety margins for the GalNAc3-conjugated 2'-MOE ASOs when compared with the unconjugated 2'-MOE ASOs given the increased potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Zanardi
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, California (T.A.Z., J.A.E., Y.W., S.B., B.P., M.A., S.G., S.P.H.), and Covance Preclinical Services GmbH, Munster, Germany (B.K., L.B.)
| | - Birgit Korbmacher
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, California (T.A.Z., J.A.E., Y.W., S.B., B.P., M.A., S.G., S.P.H.), and Covance Preclinical Services GmbH, Munster, Germany (B.K., L.B.)
| | - Laura Boone
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, California (T.A.Z., J.A.E., Y.W., S.B., B.P., M.A., S.G., S.P.H.), and Covance Preclinical Services GmbH, Munster, Germany (B.K., L.B.)
| | - Jeffrey A Engelhardt
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, California (T.A.Z., J.A.E., Y.W., S.B., B.P., M.A., S.G., S.P.H.), and Covance Preclinical Services GmbH, Munster, Germany (B.K., L.B.)
| | - Yanfeng Wang
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, California (T.A.Z., J.A.E., Y.W., S.B., B.P., M.A., S.G., S.P.H.), and Covance Preclinical Services GmbH, Munster, Germany (B.K., L.B.)
| | - Sebastien Burel
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, California (T.A.Z., J.A.E., Y.W., S.B., B.P., M.A., S.G., S.P.H.), and Covance Preclinical Services GmbH, Munster, Germany (B.K., L.B.)
| | - Bobby Prill
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, California (T.A.Z., J.A.E., Y.W., S.B., B.P., M.A., S.G., S.P.H.), and Covance Preclinical Services GmbH, Munster, Germany (B.K., L.B.)
| | - Mariam Aghajan
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, California (T.A.Z., J.A.E., Y.W., S.B., B.P., M.A., S.G., S.P.H.), and Covance Preclinical Services GmbH, Munster, Germany (B.K., L.B.)
| | - Shuling Guo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, California (T.A.Z., J.A.E., Y.W., S.B., B.P., M.A., S.G., S.P.H.), and Covance Preclinical Services GmbH, Munster, Germany (B.K., L.B.)
| | - Scott P Henry
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, California (T.A.Z., J.A.E., Y.W., S.B., B.P., M.A., S.G., S.P.H.), and Covance Preclinical Services GmbH, Munster, Germany (B.K., L.B.)
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8
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Kishimura T, Tomori T, Masaki Y, Seio K. Synthesis of 2'-O-alkylcarbamoylethyl-modified oligonucleotides with enhanced nuclease resistance that form isostable duplexes with complementary RNA. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2021; 35:127779. [PMID: 33434643 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2021.127779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
To expand the variety of 2'-O-modified oligonucleotides, we synthesized 2'-O-carbamoylethyl-modified oligonucleotides bearing ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, n-pentyl, and n-octyl groups on their nitrogen atoms. The corresponding nucleosides were synthesized using 2'-O-benzyloxycarbonylethylthymidine, which was easily converted into the carboxylic acid through hydrogeneration; subsequent condensation with the appropriate amine gave the desired nucleoside. We evaluated the effect of the 2'-O-alkylcarbamoylethyl modifications on duplex stability by analyzing melting temperature, which revealed the formation of isostable duplexes. In addition, we also revealed that these modifications, especially octylcarbamoylethyl, endowed these oligonucleotides with resistance toward a 3'-exonuclease. These results highlight the usefulness of the 2'-O-alkylcarbamoylethyl modification for various biological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Kishimura
- Department of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8501, Japan
| | - Takahito Tomori
- Department of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8501, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Masaki
- Department of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8501, Japan; JST, PRESTO, 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi, Saitama, 332-0012, Japan
| | - Kohji Seio
- Department of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8501, Japan.
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9
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Li D, Mastaglia FL, Fletcher S, Wilton SD. Progress in the molecular pathogenesis and nucleic acid therapeutics for Parkinson's disease in the precision medicine era. Med Res Rev 2020; 40:2650-2681. [PMID: 32767426 PMCID: PMC7589267 DOI: 10.1002/med.21718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders that manifest various motor and nonmotor symptoms. Although currently available therapies can alleviate some of the symptoms, the disease continues to progress, leading eventually to severe motor and cognitive decline and reduced life expectancy. The past two decades have witnessed rapid progress in our understanding of the molecular and genetic pathogenesis of the disease, paving the way for the development of new therapeutic approaches to arrest or delay the neurodegenerative process. As a result of these advances, biomarker‐driven subtyping is making it possible to stratify PD patients into more homogeneous subgroups that may better respond to potential genetic‐molecular pathway targeted disease‐modifying therapies. Therapeutic nucleic acid oligomers can bind to target gene sequences with very high specificity in a base‐pairing manner and precisely modulate downstream molecular events. Recently, nucleic acid therapeutics have proven effective in the treatment of a number of severe neurological and neuromuscular disorders, drawing increasing attention to the possibility of developing novel molecular therapies for PD. In this review, we update the molecular pathogenesis of PD and discuss progress in the use of antisense oligonucleotides, small interfering RNAs, short hairpin RNAs, aptamers, and microRNA‐based therapeutics to target critical elements in the pathogenesis of PD that could have the potential to modify disease progression. In addition, recent advances in the delivery of nucleic acid compounds across the blood–brain barrier and challenges facing PD clinical trials are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dunhui Li
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia.,Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Frank L Mastaglia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sue Fletcher
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia.,Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Steve D Wilton
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia.,Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
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10
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Doxakis E. Therapeutic antisense oligonucleotides for movement disorders. Med Res Rev 2020; 41:2656-2688. [PMID: 32656818 DOI: 10.1002/med.21706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Movement disorders are a group of neurological conditions characterized by abnormalities of movement and posture. They are broadly divided into akinetic and hyperkinetic syndromes. Until now, no effective symptomatic or disease-modifying therapies have been available. However, since many of these disorders are monogenic or have some well-defined genetic component, they represent strong candidates for antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapies. ASO therapies are based on the use of short synthetic single-stranded ASOs that bind to disease-related target RNAs via Watson-Crick base-pairing and pleiotropically modulate their function. With information arising from the RNA sequence alone, it is possible to design ASOs that not only alter the expression levels but also the splicing defects of any protein, far exceeding the intervention repertoire of traditional small molecule approaches. Following the regulatory approval of ASO therapies for spinal muscular atrophy and Duchenne muscular dystrophy in 2016, there has been tremendous momentum in testing such therapies for other neurological disorders. This review article initially focuses on the chemical modifications aimed at improving ASO effectiveness, the mechanisms by which ASOs can interfere with RNA function, delivery systems and pharmacokinetics, and the common set of toxicities associated with their application. It, then, describes the pathophysiology and the latest information on preclinical and clinical trials utilizing ASOs for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and ataxias 1, 2, 3, and 7. It concludes with issues that require special attention to realize the full potential of ASO-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Epaminondas Doxakis
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
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11
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Bosgra S, Sipkens J, de Kimpe S, den Besten C, Datson N, van Deutekom J. The Pharmacokinetics of 2'- O-Methyl Phosphorothioate Antisense Oligonucleotides: Experiences from Developing Exon Skipping Therapies for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Nucleic Acid Ther 2019; 29:305-322. [PMID: 31429628 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2019.0805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Delivery to the target site and adversities related to off-target exposure have made the road to clinical success and approval of antisense oligonucleotide (AON) therapies challenging. Various classes of AONs have distinct chemical features and pharmacological properties. Understanding the similarities and differences in pharmacokinetics (PKs) among AON classes is important to make future development more efficient and may facilitate regulatory guidance of AON development programs. For the class of 2'-O-methyl phosphorothioate (2OMe PS) RNA AONs, most nonclinical and clinical PK data available today are derived from development of exon skipping therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). While some publications have featured PK aspects of these AONs, no comprehensive overview is available to date. This article presents a detailed review of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of 2OMe PS AONs, compiled from publicly available data and previously unpublished internal data on drisapersen and related exon skipping candidates in preclinical species and DMD patients. Considerations regarding drug-drug interactions, toxicokinetics, and pharmacodynamics are also discussed. From the data presented, the picture emerges of consistent PK properties within the 2OMe PS class, predictable behavior across species, and a considerable overlap with other single-stranded PS AONs. A level of detail on muscle as a target tissue is provided, which was not previously available. Furthermore, muscle biopsy samples taken in DMD clinical trials allowed confirmation of the applicability of interspecies scaling approaches commonly applied in the absence of clinical target tissue data.
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12
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Chamanza R, Naylor SW, Carreira V, Amuzie C, Ma JY, Bradley AE, Blankenship B, McDorman K, Louden C. Normal Anatomy, Histology, and Spontaneous Pathology of the Kidney, and Selected Renal Biomarker Reference Ranges in the Cynomolgus Monkey. Toxicol Pathol 2019; 47:612-633. [DOI: 10.1177/0192623319859263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
To further our understanding of the nonhuman primate kidney anatomy, histology, and incidences of spontaneous pathology, we retrospectively examined kidneys from a total of 505 control Cynomolgus monkeys ( Macaca fascicularis; 264 male and 241 females) aged 2 to 6 years, from toxicity studies. Kidney weights, urinalysis, and kidney-related clinical biochemistry parameters were also evaluated. Although the functional anatomy of the monkey kidney is relatively similar to that of other laboratory animals and humans, a few differences and species-specific peculiarities exist. Unlike humans, the macaque kidney is unipapillate, with a relatively underdeveloped papilla, scarce long loops of Henle, and a near-equivalent cortical to medullary ratio. The most common spontaneous microscopic findings were interstitial infiltrates or interstitial nephritis and other tubular lesions, but several forms of glomerulopathy that may be interpreted as drug-induced were occasionally observed. Common incidental findings of little pathological significance included: papillary mineralization, epithelial pigment, multinucleate cells, cuboidal metaplasia of the Bowman’s capsule, and urothelial inclusions. Kidney weights, and some clinical chemistry parameters, showed age- and sex-related variations. Taken together, these data will aid the toxicologic pathologist to better evaluate the nonhuman primate kidney and assess the species’ suitability as a model for identifying and characterizing drug-induced injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronnie Chamanza
- Nonclinical Safety, Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Beerse, Belgium
| | | | - Vinicius Carreira
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Chidozie Amuzie
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Spring House, PA, USA
| | - Jing Ying Ma
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Calvert Louden
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Spring House, PA, USA
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Echevarría L, Aupy P, Relizani K, Bestetti T, Griffith G, Blandel F, Komisarski M, Haeberli A, Svinartchouk F, Garcia L, Goyenvalle A. Evaluating the Impact of Variable Phosphorothioate Content in Tricyclo-DNA Antisense Oligonucleotides in a Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Mouse Model. Nucleic Acid Ther 2019; 29:148-160. [PMID: 31009315 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2018.0773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) hold promise for therapeutic splice switching correction for genetic diseases, in particular for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), for which ASO-exon skipping represents one of the most advanced therapeutic strategies. We have previously reported the therapeutic potential of tricyclo-DNA (tcDNA) in mouse models of DMD, highlighting the unique pharmaceutical properties and unprecedented uptake in many tissues after systemic delivery, including the heart and central nervous system. TcDNA-ASOs demonstrate an encouraging safety profile and no particular class-related toxicity, however, when administered in high doses for several months, mild renal toxicity is observed secondary to predictable phosphorothioate (PS)-ASO accumulation in kidneys. In this study, we investigate the influence of the relative content of PS linkages in tcDNA-ASOs on exon skipping efficacy. Mdx mice were injected intravenously once weekly for 4 weeks with tcDNA carrying various amounts of PS linkages (0%, 25%, 33%, 50%, 67%, 83%, and 100%). The results indicate that levels of exon-23 skipping and dystrophin rescue increase with the number of PS linkages in most skeletal muscles except in the heart. As expected, plasma coagulation times are shortened with decreasing PS content, and tcDNA-protein binding in serum directly correlates with the number of PS linkages on the tcDNA backbone. Altogether, these data contribute in establishing the appropriate sulfur content within the tcDNA backbone for maximal efficacy and minimal toxicity of the oligonucleotide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Echevarría
- 1 Université de Versailles St- Quentin, U1179 INSERM, UFR des Sciences de la Santé, Montigny le Bretonneux, France.,2 SQY Therapeutics, Université de Versailles St-Quentin, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
| | - Philippine Aupy
- 1 Université de Versailles St- Quentin, U1179 INSERM, UFR des Sciences de la Santé, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
| | - Karima Relizani
- 1 Université de Versailles St- Quentin, U1179 INSERM, UFR des Sciences de la Santé, Montigny le Bretonneux, France.,2 SQY Therapeutics, Université de Versailles St-Quentin, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
| | - Thomas Bestetti
- 1 Université de Versailles St- Quentin, U1179 INSERM, UFR des Sciences de la Santé, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
| | - Graziella Griffith
- 1 Université de Versailles St- Quentin, U1179 INSERM, UFR des Sciences de la Santé, Montigny le Bretonneux, France.,2 SQY Therapeutics, Université de Versailles St-Quentin, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
| | - Florence Blandel
- 1 Université de Versailles St- Quentin, U1179 INSERM, UFR des Sciences de la Santé, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
| | | | | | - Fedor Svinartchouk
- 1 Université de Versailles St- Quentin, U1179 INSERM, UFR des Sciences de la Santé, Montigny le Bretonneux, France.,2 SQY Therapeutics, Université de Versailles St-Quentin, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
| | - Luis Garcia
- 1 Université de Versailles St- Quentin, U1179 INSERM, UFR des Sciences de la Santé, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
| | - Aurélie Goyenvalle
- 1 Université de Versailles St- Quentin, U1179 INSERM, UFR des Sciences de la Santé, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
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Lane RM, Smith A, Baumann T, Gleichmann M, Norris D, Bennett CF, Kordasiewicz H. Translating Antisense Technology into a Treatment for Huntington's Disease. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1780:497-523. [PMID: 29856033 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7825-0_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Advances in molecular biology and genetics have been used to elucidate the fundamental genetic mechanisms underlying central nervous system (CNS) diseases, yet disease-modifying therapies are currently unavailable for most CNS conditions. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are synthetic single stranded chains of nucleic acids that bind to a specific sequence on ribonucleic acid (RNA) and regulate posttranscriptional gene expression. Decreased gene expression with ASOs might be able to reduce production of the disease-causing protein underlying dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disorders. Huntington's disease (HD), which is caused by a CAG repeat expansion in exon 1 of the huntingtin (HTT) gene and leads to the pathogenic expansion of a polyglutamine (PolyQ ) tract in the N terminus of the huntingtin protein (Htt), is a prime candidate for ASO therapy.State-of-the art translational science techniques can be applied to the development of an ASO targeting HTT RNA, allowing for a data-driven, stepwise progression through the drug development process. A deep and wide-ranging understanding of the basic, preclinical, clinical, and epidemiologic components of drug development will improve the likelihood of success. This includes characterizing the natural history of the disease, including evolution of biomarkers indexing the underlying pathology; using predictive preclinical models to assess the putative gain-of-function of mutant Htt protein and any loss-of-function of the wild-type protein; characterizing toxicokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects of ASOs in predictive animal models; developing sensitive and reliable biomarkers to monitor target engagement and effects on pathology that translate from animal models to patients with HD; establishing a drug delivery method that ensures reliable distribution to relevant CNS tissue; and designing clinical trials that move expeditiously from proof of concept to proof of efficacy. This review focuses on the translational science techniques that allow for efficient and informed development of an ASO for the treatment of HD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anne Smith
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Dan Norris
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA, USA
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15
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Zamboni WC, Szebeni J, Kozlov SV, Lucas AT, Piscitelli JA, Dobrovolskaia MA. Animal models for analysis of immunological responses to nanomaterials: Challenges and considerations. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2018; 136-137:82-96. [PMID: 30273617 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2018.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Nanotechnology provides many solutions to improve conventional drug delivery and has a unique niche in the areas related to the specific targeting of the immune system, such as immunotherapies and vaccines. Preclinical studies in this field rely heavily on the combination of in vitro and in vivo methods to assess the safety and efficacy of nanotechnology platforms, nanoparticle-formulated drugs, and vaccines. While certain types of toxicities can be evaluated in vitro and good in vitro-in vivo correlation has been demonstrated for such tests, animal studies are still needed to address complex biological questions and, therefore, provide a unique contribution to establishing nanoparticle safety and efficacy profiles. The genetic, metabolic, mechanistic, and phenotypic diversity of currently available animal models often complicates both the animal choice and the interpretation of the results. This review summarizes current knowledge about differences in the immune system function and immunological responses of animals commonly used in preclinical studies of nanomaterials. We discuss challenges, highlight current gaps, and propose recommendations for animal model selection to streamline preclinical analysis of nanotechnology formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- William C Zamboni
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Carolina Center of Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.
| | - Janos Szebeni
- Nanomedicine Research and Education Center, Institute of Pathophysiology, Semmelweis University and SeroScience Ltd, Nagyvárad tér 4, 1089 Budapest, Hungary; Department of Nanobiotechnology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Health, Miskolc University, Miskolc, Hungary
| | - Serguei V Kozlov
- Laboratory of Animal Sciences Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Andrew T Lucas
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Carolina Center of Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Joseph A Piscitelli
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Carolina Center of Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Marina A Dobrovolskaia
- Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, United States.
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16
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Lucas
- From the Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Center of Molecular Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany (T.L., A.B., S.D.)
- German Center of Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Rhein-Main, Frankfurt, Germany (T.L., A.B., S.D.)
| | - Angelika Bonauer
- From the Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Center of Molecular Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany (T.L., A.B., S.D.)
- German Center of Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Rhein-Main, Frankfurt, Germany (T.L., A.B., S.D.)
| | - Stefanie Dimmeler
- From the Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Center of Molecular Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany (T.L., A.B., S.D.)
- German Center of Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Rhein-Main, Frankfurt, Germany (T.L., A.B., S.D.)
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17
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Braendli-Baiocco A, Festag M, Dumong Erichsen K, Persson R, Mihatsch MJ, Fisker N, Funk J, Mohr S, Constien R, Ploix C, Brady K, Berrera M, Altmann B, Lenz B, Albassam M, Schmitt G, Weiser T, Schuler F, Singer T, Tessier Y. From the Cover: The Minipig is a Suitable Non-Rodent Model in the Safety Assessment of Single Stranded Oligonucleotides. Toxicol Sci 2018; 157:112-128. [PMID: 28123102 PMCID: PMC5414856 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfx025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-human primates (NHPs) are currently considered to be the non-rodent species of choice for the preclinical safety assessment of single-stranded oligonucleotide (SSO) drugs. We evaluated minipigs as a potential alternative to NHPs to test the safety of this class of compounds. Four different phosphorothioated locked nucleic acid-based SSOs (3 antisense and 1 anti-miR), all with known safety profiles, were administered to minipigs using similar study designs and read-outs as in earlier NHP studies with the same compounds. The studies included toxicokinetic investigations, in-life monitoring, clinical and anatomic pathology. In the minipig, we demonstrated target engagement by the SSOs where relevant, and a similar toxicokinetic behavior in plasma, kidney, and liver when compared with NHPs. Clinical tolerability was similar between minipig and NHPs. For the first time, we showed similar and dose-dependent effects on the coagulation and complement cascade after intravenous dosing similar to those observed in NHPs. Similar to NHPs, morphological changes were seen in proximal tubular epithelial cells of the kidney, Kupffer cells, hepatocytes, and lymph nodes. Minipigs appeared more sensitive to the high-dose kidney toxicity of most of the selected SSOs than NHPs. No new target organ or off-target toxicities were identified in the minipig. The minipig did not predict the clinical features of human injection site reactions better than the NHPs, but histopathological similarities were observed between minipigs and NHPs. We conclude that there is no impediment, as default, to the use of minipigs as the non-rodent species in SSO candidate non-clinical safety packages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Braendli-Baiocco
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Festag
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kamille Dumong Erichsen
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Copenhagen, Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Robert Persson
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Copenhagen, Hørsholm, Denmark
| | | | - Niels Fisker
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Copenhagen, Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Juergen Funk
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Susanne Mohr
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rainer Constien
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Bioanalytical Research and Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Corinne Ploix
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kevin Brady
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marco Berrera
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bernd Altmann
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Lenz
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mudher Albassam
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center New York, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, New York, NY, USA
| | - Georg Schmitt
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Weiser
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Franz Schuler
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Singer
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Yann Tessier
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Copenhagen, Hørsholm, Denmark
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18
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Toonen LJA, Casaca-Carreira J, Pellisé-Tintoré M, Mei H, Temel Y, Jahanshahi A, van Roon-Mom WMC. Intracerebroventricular Administration of a 2'-O-Methyl Phosphorothioate Antisense Oligonucleotide Results in Activation of the Innate Immune System in Mouse Brain. Nucleic Acid Ther 2018; 28:63-73. [PMID: 29565739 PMCID: PMC5899290 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2017.0705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (AONs) are versatile molecules that can be used to modulate gene expression by binding to RNA. The therapeutic potential of AONs appears particularly high in the central nervous system, due to excellent distribution and uptake in brain cells, as well as good tolerability in clinical trials thus far. Nonetheless, immune stimulation in response to AON treatment in the brain remains a concern. For this reason we performed RNA sequencing analysis of brain tissue from mice treated intracerebroventricularly with phosphorothioate, 2′-O-methyl modified AONs. A significant upregulation of immune system associated genes was observed in brains of AON treated mice, with the striatum showing largest transcriptional changes. Strongest upregulation was seen for the antiviral enzyme 2′-5′-oligoadenylate synthase-like protein 2 (Oasl2) and Bone marrow stromal antigen 2 (Bst2). Histological analysis confirmed activation of microglia and astrocytes in striatum. The upregulation of immune system associated genes was detectable for at least 2 months after the last AON administration, consistent with a continuous immune response to the AON.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lodewijk J A Toonen
- 1 Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center , Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - João Casaca-Carreira
- 2 Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Center , Maastricht, the Netherlands .,3 European Graduate School of Neuroscience (EURON) , Maastricht, the Netherlands .,4 Department of Physiotherapy, Portuguese Red Cross Health School , Lisbon, Portugal .,5 Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Care , Setubal Polytechnic Institute, Setubal, Portugal
| | - Maria Pellisé-Tintoré
- 2 Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Center , Maastricht, the Netherlands .,6 Department of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Girona (UdG) , Girona, Spain
| | - Hailiang Mei
- 7 Sequencing Analysis Support Core, Leiden University Medical Center , Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Yasin Temel
- 2 Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Center , Maastricht, the Netherlands .,3 European Graduate School of Neuroscience (EURON) , Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Ali Jahanshahi
- 2 Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Center , Maastricht, the Netherlands .,3 European Graduate School of Neuroscience (EURON) , Maastricht, the Netherlands
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Morita Y, Leslie M, Kameyama H, Volk DE, Tanaka T. Aptamer Therapeutics in Cancer: Current and Future. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10030080. [PMID: 29562664 PMCID: PMC5876655 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10030080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aptamer-related technologies represent a revolutionary advancement in the capacity to rapidly develop new classes of targeting ligands. Structurally distinct RNA and DNA oligonucleotides, aptamers mimic small, protein-binding molecules and exhibit high binding affinity and selectivity. Although their molecular weight is relatively small—approximately one-tenth that of monoclonal antibodies—their complex tertiary folded structures create sufficient recognition surface area for tight interaction with target molecules. Additionally, unlike antibodies, aptamers can be readily chemically synthesized and modified. In addition, aptamers’ long storage period and low immunogenicity are favorable properties for clinical utility. Due to their flexibility of chemical modification, aptamers are conjugated to other chemical entities including chemotherapeutic agents, siRNA, nanoparticles, and solid phase surfaces for therapeutic and diagnostic applications. However, as relatively small sized oligonucleotides, aptamers present several challenges for successful clinical translation. Their short plasma half-lives due to nuclease degradation and rapid renal excretion necessitate further structural modification of aptamers for clinical application. Since the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the first aptamer drug, Macugen® (pegaptanib), which treats wet-age-related macular degeneration, several aptamer therapeutics for oncology have followed and shown promise in pre-clinical models as well as clinical trials. This review discusses the advantages and challenges of aptamers and introduces therapeutic aptamers under investigation and in clinical trials for cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiro Morita
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 975 NE 10th, BRC-W, Rm 1415, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
| | - Macall Leslie
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 975 NE 10th, BRC-W, Rm 1415, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
| | - Hiroyasu Kameyama
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 975 NE 10th, BRC-W, Rm 1415, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
| | - David E Volk
- McGovern Medical School, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825 Hermann Pressler, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Takemi Tanaka
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 975 NE 10th, BRC-W, Rm 1415, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 940 SL Young Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
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Abstract
Assessment of the potential for a test article to have adverse effects on immune function can be difficult in clinical trials due to a relative lack of useful endpoints. It is therefore common to use a weight of evidence approach with nonclinical studies to indicate if there is a cause for concern that the test article has immunotoxic potential. The most commonly used follow-up assay for immunosuppression is the T-dependent antibody response (TDAR). However, final selection of an assay (or assays) to evaluate potential human immunotoxicity depends on the type of findings in nonclinical studies. For example, signs of unintended immunostimulation or immunomodulation may be assessed using specialized assays using human cells. Other factors should also be considered, such as pharmacology of the test article, potential structural similarities with known immunomodulatory agents, and/or pharmacokinetic/drug disposition findings consistent with accumulation of test article/metabolite in immune system tissues. Although evaluation of the potential for a test article to have adverse effects on immune function can be a complex task, established nonclinical models and some clinical endpoints can be useful to determine the safety of products intended for use as human therapeutics.
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Marlowe JL, Akopian V, Karmali P, Kornbrust D, Lockridge J, Semple S. Recommendations of the Oligonucleotide Safety Working Group's Formulated Oligonucleotide Subcommittee for the Safety Assessment of Formulated Oligonucleotide-Based Therapeutics. Nucleic Acid Ther 2017; 27:183-196. [PMID: 28609186 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2017.0671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of lipid formulations has greatly improved the ability to effectively deliver oligonucleotides and has been instrumental in the rapid expansion of therapeutic development programs using oligonucleotide drugs. However, the development of such complex multicomponent therapeutics requires the implementation of unique, scientifically sound approaches to the nonclinical development of these drugs, based upon a hybrid of knowledge and experiences drawn from small molecule, protein, and oligonucleotide therapeutic drug development. The relative paucity of directly applicable regulatory guidance documents for oligonucleotide therapeutics in general has resulted in the generation of multiple white papers from oligonucleotide drug development experts and members of the Oligonucleotide Safety Working Group (OSWG). The members of the Formulated Oligonucleotide Subcommittee of the OSWG have utilized their collective experience working with a variety of formulations and their associated oligonucleotide payloads, as well as their insights into regulatory considerations and expectations, to generate a series of consensus recommendations for the pharmacokinetic characterization and nonclinical safety assessment of this unique class of therapeutics. It should be noted that the focus of Subcommittee discussions was on lipid nanoparticle and other types of particulate formulations of therapeutic oligonucleotides and not on conjugates or other types of modifications of oligonucleotide structure intended to facilitate delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Marlowe
- 1 Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research , Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | | | | | | | - Sean Semple
- 6 Arbutus Biopharma Corporation , Burnaby, Canada
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Roehl I, Seiffert S, Brikh C, Quinet J, Jamard C, Dorfler N, Lockridge JA, Cova L, Vaillant A. Nucleic Acid Polymers with Accelerated Plasma and Tissue Clearance for Chronic Hepatitis B Therapy. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017; 8:1-12. [PMID: 28918011 PMCID: PMC5466589 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2017.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
REP 2139 is a nucleic acid polymer (NAP) currently under clinical development for chronic hepatitis B (HBV) therapy. This preclinical study investigated different REP 2139 analogs that would display reduced accumulation in the serum and tissues, while retaining an antiviral effect against HBV infection. REP 2139 analogs were evaluated in human plasma, CD-1 mice, cynomolgus monkeys, and Pekin ducks. Discrete ribose transformation to 2'OH in selected riboadenosines resulted in a slow degradation in acidified human plasma that plateaued after 48 hr. REP 2165, a REP 2139 analog containing three unmodified riboadenosines equally spaced throughout the polymer, showed similar plasma clearance and tissue distribution as REP 2139 in mice and cynomolgus monkeys after a single dose. Interestingly, after repeated administration, accumulation of REP 2165 in plasma and organs was reduced, indicating a dramatically faster rate of clearance from organs after therapy was ended in both species. Both REP 2139 and REP 2165 were well tolerated at clinically relevant doses, with no alterations in liver, kidney, or hematological function. In chronic duck HBV (DHBV) infection, REP 2165 displayed significantly reduced liver accumulation after repeated dosing but retained antiviral activity similar to REP 2139. These results indicate the therapeutic potential of REP 2165 against chronic HBV infection in patients is similar to REP 2139, but with significantly reduced drug accumulation and improved tissue clearance.
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Integrated Safety Assessment of 2'-O-Methoxyethyl Chimeric Antisense Oligonucleotides in NonHuman Primates and Healthy Human Volunteers. Mol Ther 2016; 24:1771-1782. [PMID: 27357629 PMCID: PMC5112040 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2016.136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The common chemical and biological properties of antisense oligonucleotides provide the opportunity to identify and characterize chemical class effects across species. The chemical class that has proven to be the most versatile and best characterized is the 2′-O-methoxyethyl chimeric antisense oligonucleotides. In this report we present an integrated safety assessment of data obtained from controlled dose-ranging studies in nonhuman primates (macaques) and healthy human volunteers for 12 unique 2′-O-methoxyethyl chimeric antisense oligonucleotides. Safety was assessed by the incidence of safety signals in standardized laboratory tests for kidney and liver function, hematology, and complement activation; as well as by the mean test results as a function of dose level over time. At high doses a number of toxicities were observed in nonhuman primates. However, no class safety effects were identified in healthy human volunteers from this integrated data analysis. Effects on complement in nonhuman primates were not observed in humans. Nonhuman primates predicted safe doses in humans, but over predicted risk of complement activation and effects on platelets. Although limited to a single chemical class, comparisons from this analysis are considered valid and accurate based on the carefully controlled setting for the specified study populations and within the total exposures studied.
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Shen L, Engelhardt JA, Hung G, Yee J, Kikkawa R, Matson J, Tayefeh B, Machemer T, Giclas PC, Henry SP. Effects of Repeated Complement Activation Associated with Chronic Treatment of Cynomolgus Monkeys with 2'-O-Methoxyethyl Modified Antisense Oligonucleotide. Nucleic Acid Ther 2016; 26:236-49. [PMID: 27140858 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2015.0584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of repeated complement activation in cynomolgus monkeys after chronic antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) treatment were evaluated by using ISIS 104838, a representative 2'-O-methoxyethyl (2'-MOE) modified ASO. The treatment was up to 9 months with a total weekly dose of 30 mg/kg, given either as daily [4.3 mg/kg/day, subcutaneous (s.c.) injection] or once weekly [30 mg/kg, either as s.c. injection or 30-min intravenous (i.v.) infusion]. Acute elevations of complement split products (Bb and C3a) and a transient decrease in C3 occurred after the first dose and were drug plasma concentration dependent. However, with repeated complement activation after chronic ASO treatment, there were progressive increases in basal (predose) levels of Bb and C3a, and a sustained C3 reduction in all treated groups. There was also a progressive increase in C3d-bound circulating immune complex (CIC) that was considered secondary to the C3 depletion. Evidence of vascular inflammation was observed, mostly in the liver, kidney, and heart, and correlated with severe C3 depletion and increases in plasma IgG and IgM. Vascular inflammation was accompanied by increased C3 and IgM immunereactivity in the affected vasculatures and endothelial activation markers in serum. In summary, repeated complement activations in monkeys lead to a sustained decrease in circulating C3 over time. The concomitantly increased inflammatory signals and decreased CIC clearance due to impairment of complement function may lead to vascular inflammation after chronic ASO treatment in monkeys. However, based on the known sensitivity of monkeys to ASO-induced complement activation, these findings have limited relevance to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijiang Shen
- 1 Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , Carlsbad, California
| | | | - Gene Hung
- 1 Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , Carlsbad, California
| | - Jenna Yee
- 2 SNBL, USA, Ltd. , Everett, Washington
| | | | - John Matson
- 1 Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , Carlsbad, California
| | - Bryan Tayefeh
- 1 Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , Carlsbad, California
| | - Todd Machemer
- 1 Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , Carlsbad, California
| | | | - Scott P Henry
- 1 Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , Carlsbad, California
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Martínez T, Jiménez AI, Pañeda C. Short-interference RNAs: becoming medicines. EXCLI JOURNAL 2015; 14:714-46. [PMID: 26648823 PMCID: PMC4669907 DOI: 10.17179/excli2015-297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
RNA interference is a cellular mechanism by which small molecules of double stranded RNA modulate gene expression acting on the concentration and/or availability of a given messenger RNA. Almost 10 years after Fire and Mello received the Nobel Prize for the discovery of this mechanism in flat worms, RNA interference is on the edge of becoming a new class of therapeutics. With various phase III studies underway, the following years will determine whether RNAi-therapeutics can rise up to the challenge and become mainstream medicines. The present review gives a thorough overview of the current status of this technology focusing on the path to the clinic of this new class of compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Martínez
- Sylentis, R&D department c/Santiago Grisolía, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Isabel Jiménez
- Sylentis, R&D department c/Santiago Grisolía, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Covadonga Pañeda
- Sylentis, R&D department c/Santiago Grisolía, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
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