#United States #Oligonucleotide Therapeutics #Nucleic Acid Therapeutics #Rockland Immunochemicals #Limerick

Advancements in Oligonucleotide Therapeutics

A recent publication in the Journal of Nucleic Acid Therapeutics highlights significant advancements in the field of oligonucleotide therapeutics. Rockland Immunochemicals, Inc., a leading biotechnology firm, has unveiled a groundbreaking study co-authored by renowned researchers including Dr. David P. Chimento, Vice President of Research and Development, and Dr. Carl Ascoli, Chief Science Officer. Their work emphasizes innovative bioanalytical methods crucial for assessing the safety and efficacy of oligonucleotide-based therapies.

The article titled Bioanalytical Assays for Oligonucleotide Therapeutics: Adding Antibody-based Immunoassays to the Toolbox as an Orthogonal Approach to LC-MS/MS and Ligand Binding Assays discusses the rising significance of oligonucleotide therapeutics (ONTs) as a vital class of drugs, following the lineage of small molecules and therapeutic antibodies. As global clinical trials progress, involving antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), the potential for treating a plethora of diseases—including cancer and neurological disorders—has come to the forefront.

However, the road to developing oligonucleotide therapies is fraught with challenges. The researchers delve into the critical hurdles ONTs face, such as their fragility against decomposition by nucleases in biological environments, difficulties in cellular uptake, and the pressing need for effective drug delivery systems. The necessity for precise immunogenicity assays also becomes pivotal, as emphasized by evolving FDA guidelines relevant to these novel drugs.

Among the key innovations presented in the study is the exploration of antibody-based assays. This approach could revolutionize how researchers monitor ONTs in vivo, delivering enhanced accuracy in tracking therapeutic levels and ultimately ensuring patient safety and efficacy. Dr. Ascoli states, “Our research underscores the need for advanced, reliable assays to address the unique challenges posed by ONTs and move these therapies from the lab to the clinic with confidence.”

Such developments are particularly timely as the biopharmaceutical industry experiences an unprecedented boom in nucleic acid therapies. Hundreds of clinical trials are underway, pointing to an optimistic horizon for ONTs, provided that analytical tools also evolve accordingly to meet emerging demands.

Nick Lench, Director of the Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Accelerator (NATA), expresses enthusiasm for collaboration with Rockland Immunochemicals. He envisions these reagents becoming essential instruments in the nucleic acid therapeutics landscape. “We are very pleased to be working with Rockland Immunochemicals Inc. to facilitate the benchmarking of these new reagents that will be a great asset to the nucleic acid therapeutics field,” he remarked.

As we continue to see major advancements in ONT development and regulatory approvals, effective analytical methods are more crucial than ever. This publication serves as an important milestone in the quest for safer, more effective nucleic acid-based therapies, paving the road for successful oncological and neurological treatments. For those intrigued by these findings, the full article is available in the latest edition of the Journal of Nucleic Acid Therapeutics.

About Rockland Immunochemicals, Inc.

Established in 1962, Rockland Immunochemicals, Inc. is committed to manufacturing pioneering tools for research across academic and biopharmaceutical fields. Their operations near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, support their goal of enhancing life science research through innovative solutions.

About NATA

The Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Accelerator (NATA) is a UKRI/Medical Research Council funded initiative focused on pushing forward nucleic acid therapies by bridging the gaps between scientific research and clinical applications. By collaborating with leading academics and industries, NATA aims to propel the development of next-generation therapies.