Antidote Control of Aptamer Therapeutics: The Road to a Safer Class of Drug Agents

K.      M. Bompiani; R.      S. Woodruff; R.      C. Becker; S.      M. Nimjee; B.      A. Sullenger

doi:10.2174/138920112802273137

Abstract

Aptamers, or nucleic acid ligands, have gained clinical interest over the past 20 years due to their unique characteristics, which are a combination of the best facets of small molecules and antibodies. The high binding affinity and specificity of aptamers allows for isolation of an artificial ligand for theoretically any therapeutic _target of interest. Chemical manipulations of aptamers also allow for fine-tuning of their bioavailability, and antidote control greatly expands their clinical use. Here we review the various methods of antidote control of aptamer therapeutics – matched oligonucleotide antidotes and universal antidotes. We also describe the development, recent progress, and potential future therapeutic applications of these types of aptamer-antidote pairs.

Keywords: Anticoagulant, antidote, antiplatelet, aptamer, oligonucleotide antidote, therapeutic, universal antidote, nucleic acid ligands, small molecules, antibodies, aptamer-antidote pairs, viral RNA, oligonucleotides, therapeutic _target, clinical interest.