GLP-1 Ligand Oligonucleotide Conjugates for Selective Cell Targeting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies lack effective methods for modulating the expression of nucleic acids in cells expressing the GLP-1 receptor, particularly for therapeutic applications such as targeting pancreatic beta-islet cells and treating cancer.

Innovation Solution

Development of modified oligonucleotides conjugated with GLP-1 receptor ligands, comprising modified internucleoside linkages, sugars, and nucleobases, which hybridize specifically to target nucleic acids in cells expressing the GLP-1 receptor, thereby modulating their expression.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional oligonucleotides are used, then they can hybridize to target nucleic acids, but they lack selective targeting capability for GLP-1 receptor expressing cells

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselective targeting capabilityVSAvoidconjugate structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges a GLP-1 receptor ligand moiety with an oligonucleotide through a conjugate linker to create a unified compound that combines the targeting capability of the ligand with the nucleic acid modulation capability of the oligonucleotide, enabling selective delivery to GLP-1 receptor expressing cells

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The conjugate linker serves as an intermediary component that chemically connects the GLP-1 receptor ligand moiety to the oligonucleotide, facilitating the transfer and stabilization of the conjugated compound while enabling selective cell targeting

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If modified oligonucleotides are developed for selective targeting, then therapeutic efficacy is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic efficacyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces modifications at specific local positions within the oligonucleotide structure, including modified internucleoside linkages at particular positions, modified sugars at specific locations, and modified nucleobases at defined positions, rather than uniformly modifying the entire oligonucleotide, thereby achieving enhanced stability and targeting while maintaining manufacturing feasibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If conventional nucleic acid modulation methods are used, then they can modulate gene expression, but they cannot specifically target pancreatic beta-islet cells or cancer cells expressing GLP-1 receptor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell specificityVSAvoidconjugate composition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the GLP-1 receptor ligand moiety with the oligonucleotide to create a conjugated compound that integrates the cell-specific targeting function of the ligand with the gene expression modulation function of the oligonucleotide, achieving selective delivery to pancreatic beta-islet cells and cancer cells that express the GLP-1 receptor

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The modified oligonucleotides demonstrate selective targeting and modulation of nucleic acid expression in GLP-1 receptor-expressing cells, providing potential therapeutic benefits including treatment of cancer.

Implementation Method 1

the compound is capable of hybridizing to the target nucleic acid, resulting in at least one antisense activity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHybridization:

Implementation Method 2

the GLP-1 receptor is a class 2, G protein-coupled receptor that couples to adenylate cyclase via a stimulatory G protein receptor. Circulating GLP-1 binds to the GLP-1 receptor on the beta islet cells of the pancreas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReceptor-ligand binding:

Data Source

PatentEP3452049B1GLP-1 receptor ligand moiety conjugated oligonucleotides and uses thereof
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 IONIS PHARMACEUTICALS INC
  • EP3452049B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3452049B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP3452049B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

The present embodiments provide compounds and methods for targeting cells expressing GLP-1 receptor.