New type of RNA degrader lowers COVID-19 viral load in mice, opening path to new drug class

BIOMARKER

Gray Frame Corner
Gray Frame Corner

1. A new class of drugs, termed proximity-induced nucleic acid degraders (PINADs), with broader applications in RNA degradation, has been developed by scientists from the University of Cambridge.

Gray Frame Corner
Gray Frame Corner

2. A study published in ACS Central Science details the development of a proof-of-concept PINAD drug designed to target the virus causing COVID-19.

Gray Frame Corner
Gray Frame Corner

3. The researchers successfully demonstrated a decrease in the concentration of the virus in mice using this new type of drug.

Gray Frame Corner
Gray Frame Corner

4. The team is planning to develop more PINADs for use against other diseases.

Gray Frame Corner
Gray Frame Corner

5. While targeted protein degradation methods like PROTACS have their uses, they come with limitations and are not always the best or feasible strategy.

Gray Frame Corner
Gray Frame Corner

6. In contrast to PROTACS, RIBOTACs degrade RNA but also have limitations, like not working in cell types with low concentrations of ribonucleases.

Gray Frame Corner
Gray Frame Corner

7. The researchers designed the PINAD to destroy targeted RNA just by being in close proximity to it, without requiring ribonucleases.

Gray Frame Corner
Gray Frame Corner

8. The PINAD is made of a targeted RNA binding compound linked to an RNA-cleaving small molecule, or RNA warhead, by a spacer molecule.

Gray Frame Corner
Gray Frame Corner

9. The use of PINAD against SARS-CoV-2 in a mouse model resulted in lower viral loads and reduced inflammation markers, but didn't confer survival benefit.

Gray Frame Corner
Gray Frame Corner

10. The researchers aim to improve the pharmacodynamic profile of their COVID-19 PINAD and other PINADs, hoping this could lead to a new class of antiviral drugs, and are also focusing on making the drugs useful against other types of diseases.

Gray Frame Corner
Gray Frame Corner

Swipe up for more BIOMARKER news!