LNA-Modified Antisense Oligonucleotide for TGF-beta Inhibition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current therapies for glaucoma and posterior capsular opacification have not effectively inhibited TGF-beta in the eye, leading to inadequate prevention and treatment of ophthalmic diseases such as glaucoma and posterior capsular opacification, despite efforts with ALK5 inhibitors and antibodies targeting TGF-beta isoforms.

Innovation Solution

Development of an antisense oligonucleotide complementary to the TGF-beta2 nucleic acid sequence, specifically inhibiting the expression of TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, and TGF-beta3 mRNA, utilizing locked nucleic acid (LNA) modifications for enhanced efficacy and specificity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ALK5 inhibitors and antibodies targeting TGF-beta isoforms are used, then TGF-beta activity is inhibited, but therapeutic effectiveness in ophthalmic diseases is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic effectivenessVSAvoidtreatment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the oligonucleotide structure with LNA (locked nucleic acid) modifications. This chemical modification enhances the binding affinity and stability of the antisense oligonucleotide to TGF-beta mRNA, thereby improving therapeutic effectiveness while maintaining a relatively simple treatment approach. The LNA modification changes the physical-chemical parameters of the oligonucleotide, resulting in superior efficacy compared to conventional ALK5 inhibitors and antibodies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional antisense oligonucleotides are used, then TGF-beta expression is targeted, but inhibition efficacy is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinhibition efficacyVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite materials by combining standard nucleotides with LNA (locked nucleic acid) modifications in the antisense oligonucleotide sequence. This composite structure integrates the specificity of natural nucleotides with the enhanced stability and affinity of LNA, achieving superior TGF-beta mRNA inhibition efficacy. The manufacturing process remains relatively simple as it involves standard oligonucleotide synthesis techniques with modified building blocks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If TGF-beta activity is increased, then extracellular matrix production is enhanced, but inflammatory responses and tissue fibrosis are induced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextracellular matrix productionVSAvoidinflammatory responses and tissue fibrosis
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the taking out principle by specifically extracting and targeting the harmful effects of TGF-beta through antisense oligonucleotide-mediated suppression of TGF-beta mRNA expression. By selectively inhibiting TGF-beta at the transcriptional level, the patent prevents the induction of inflammatory responses and tissue fibrosis while potentially preserving necessary extracellular matrix production functions. This specific targeting approach separates the harmful from the potentially beneficial effects of TGF-beta.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 LNA-modified antisense oligonucleotide effectively inhibits TGF-beta mRNA expression, providing a promising approach for the prevention and treatment of ophthalmic diseases like glaucoma and posterior capsular opacification with reduced side effects.

Implementation Method 1

antisense oligonucleotide complementary to the TGF-beta2 nucleic acid sequence

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectComplementary base pairing: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP2978846B1Modified TGF-beta oligonucleotide for use in a method of preventing and/or treating an ophthalmic disease
Publication Date: 2019.12.25 ISARNA THERAPEUTICS GMBH
  • EP2978846B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2978846B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2978846B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention refers to an oligonucleotide consisting of 10 to 20 nucleotides of selected regions of the TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2 or TGF-beta3 nucleic acid sequence, which comprises modified nucleotides such as LNA, ENA, polyalkylene oxide-, 2'-fluoro, 2'-O- methoxy and/or 2'-O-methyl modified nucleotides. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such oligonucleotide, wherein the composition or the oligonucleotide is used in a method for the prevention and/or treatment of glaucoma, posterior capsular opacification, dry eye, Marfan or Loeys- Dietz syndrome, riboblastoma, choroidcarcinoma, macular degeneration, such as age- related macular degeneration, diabetic macular endma, or cataract.