Aptamer and Use of the Aptamer in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention describes a specially modified aptamer (a synthetic DNA or RNA molecule) that can specifically recognize and bind to certain types of cancer cells, especially hormone-refractory prostate cancer and some lung cancers. The aptamer is chemically attached to a polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecule, which helps stabilize it in the body and improves its effectiveness. It can be used for both detecting (diagnosis) and treating cancer by acting as a highly specific targeting molecule, either alone or as a delivery vehicle for anti-cancer drugs.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Non-invasive diagnosis of prostate cancer, especially hormone-refractory types, by detecting the presence of specific cancer cells in patient samples.
• Targeted therapy for prostate cancer and lung cancer by delivering anti-cancer drugs, toxins, siRNA, or antagomirs directly to the cancer cells using the aptamer as a carrier.
• Molecular imaging and in vivo diagnostic applications to monitor the presence or progression of tumors in real time.
• Laboratory research to identify and characterize specific cancer cell markers by using the aptamer as a recognition tool.
• Development of cancer-specific drug delivery systems to improve therapeutic efficacy and minimize off-target effects.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• High specificity for prostate (hormone-resistant) and certain lung cancer cells, reducing false positives and off-target effects.
• PEGylation boosts the stability and half-life of the aptamer in the bloodstream, making it suitable for therapeutic use.
• Facilitates targeted delivery of drugs, reducing systemic toxicity and increasing therapeutic efficiency.
• Minimal immune response due to low immunogenicity, improving safety profile for in vivo use.
• Aptamer synthesis is cost-effective and scalable compared to antibodies, enabling easier GMP-compliant manufacturing for clinical applications.
• Versatility in use, including detection, diagnosis, direct therapy, and as a delivery platform for a range of anti-cancer agents.

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The present invention relates to an aptamer comprising a nucleotide sequence SEQ ID NO: 1 or a fragment thereof of at least 20 contiguous nucleotides of the nucleotide sequence SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein the aptamer comprises a polyethylene glycol (PEG) moiety conjugated to the 5' or the 3' end. The invention further relates to a composition comprising the aptamer, and the use of the aptamer in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, particularly hormone refractory prostate tumours.