Modified Aptamer EGFR Binding Nuclease Resistance

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current aptamers used for targeting EGFR in cancer treatment are prone to degradation and have limited binding efficacy, which hampers their therapeutic effectiveness in targeting cancer cells.

Innovation Solution

Development of a ribonucleic acid molecule with a specific nucleotide sequence, incorporating 2'-O-methyl and 2'-fluoro substitutions, which enhances binding to EGFR and provides stability against nuclease degradation, combined with an immunogenic molecule to redirect the immune response to cancer cells.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If natural RNA aptamers are used to bind EGFR, then binding capability is achieved, but nuclease degradation occurs reducing therapeutic effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic effectivenessVSAvoidnuclease degradation resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical structure of RNA nucleotides through 2'-O-methyl and 2'-fluoro substitutions. These chemical modifications alter the physical and chemical parameters of the RNA backbone, conferring resistance to nuclease degradation while preserving the aptamer's ability to bind EGFR with high affinity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite materials by combining modified nucleotides (2'-O-methyl and 2'-fluoro substituted) with natural RNA sequences. This composite approach integrates the stability of modified nucleotides with the binding functionality of natural RNA aptamer sequences, achieving both durability and efficacy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If aptamers are used for cancer targeting, then specific binding to EGFR is achieved, but immune system evasion limits therapeutic impact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecancer cell targeting efficacyVSAvoidimmune response redirection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two distinct functionalities into a single molecular construct: the EGFR-targeting aptamer domain and the immune-stimulating alpha-Gal epitope domain. This merging creates a bifunctional molecule that simultaneously achieves precise cancer cell targeting and active immune system engagement, transforming the aptamer from a passive binder to an active immunotherapeutic agent

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 aptamer effectively binds to EGFR-expressing cells, offering improved therapeutic potential by enhancing immune targeting of cancer cells while resisting degradation, thus providing a promising approach for cancer treatment.

Implementation Method 1

Aptamers are oligonucleic acid or peptide molecules that bind to a specific target molecule

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMolecular recognition:

Implementation Method 2

incorporating 2'-O-methyl and 2'-fluoro substitutions, which enhances binding to EGFR and provides stability against nuclease degradation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNuclease degradation resistance:

Data Source

PatentEP3158068B1Aptamers against EGFR and therapeutic uses thereof
Publication Date: 2019.01.30 AVVINITY THERAPEUTICS LTD
  • EP3158068B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3158068B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3158068B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to novel aptamers, in particular aptamers which are capable of binding to EGFR. The invention also relates to cancer cell binding complexes comprising said aptamers and the use of said cancer cell binding complexes in the treatment of cancer.