Secarna Pharmaceuticals Publishes New Data on LNA-Modified ASOs

Secarna Pharmaceuticals GmbH & Co. KG has announced the publication of new data addressing the immunostimulatory potential of LNA-modified antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) in Nucleic Acid Therapeutics. The study explores the toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) mediated immune responses triggered by LNA-modified ASOs.

TLR9, found in various cell types of the innate immune system, can provoke a pro-inflammatory response upon activation. While data exist for older-generation ASOs, less is known about state-of-the-art LNA-modified ASOs. The study's findings help to select optimal ASOs for treating inflammatory diseases and cancer.

Secarna's systematic analysis using different cell culture systems demonstrated that the TLR9-activating potential of ASOs is unique to each molecule. These insights are vital for early drug development to avoid unwanted side effects. The data highlight the importance of identifying immunomodulatory triggers to develop safer, potent drugs.

Dr. Frank Jaschinski, Chief Scientific Officer of Secarna, emphasized the dual nature of immunostimulatory potential, which can be either beneficial or detrimental depending on the therapeutic context. This research supports the development of highly specific and effective antisense therapies.