RNAi and oligonucleotide-based therapeutics have a buzz in the research community because they have the potential to create an entire class of innovative medicines able to target disease in a brand new way. A Nobel Prize went to researchers involved in the early discoveries of RNA interference, RNAi, and multiple transformational technology and business relationships have formed among smaller companies developing oligonucleotide-based therapeutics and larger pharmaceutical partners.



Objectives:

Highlight the key breakthroughs in RNAi and oligonucleotide-based therapeutics.

Provide greater understanding of siRNA, antisense, aptamers and nucleic acid immunomodulators as a therapeutic approach and an appreciation of the challenges companies face as they commercialize this class of therapeutics.

Address topical issues relating to advances in oligonucleotide-based therapeutics including recent human data, drug delivery and the next steps in creating a whole new class of therapeutics.