miRNA-targeted circular single-stranded DNA to treat cancer

A Nankai University-based team developed a small circular single-stranded DNA molecule that inhibits cancer growth in cells and mice by sequestering microRNAs (miRNAs) that silence tumor suppressor genes.

Preclinical deals in nucleic acid modalities over the past five years show increasing interest among pharmas in nucleic acid therapeutics, in particular for siRNA and mRNA. But interest in microRNA (miRNA) has tapered after discontinuations of miRNA candidates to treat HCV from Regulus Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:RGLS) and Santaris Pharma A/S (see BioCentury Innovations, May 10)...