Trends in the development of medicine
The technology of targeted drug delivery in the human body based on RNA aptamers may change the market for anti-cancer drugs
The launch of mass production of medicines based on this technology may take place by 2020.
Such data are provided in the first issue of the trendletter (newsletter) "Global Technological Trends" of the Institute for Statistical Research and Knowledge Economics (IIEZ) Higher School of Economics (HSE). The trendletter was prepared as part of a monitoring study that the institute conducts on a regular basis. Such work was carried out, in particular, during the preparation of the "Forecast of scientific and technological development of Russia for the period up to 2030".
The traditional administration of drugs, in particular cancer drugs, is often accompanied by the development of a large number of toxic effects. Targeted delivery technologies are being developed to increase the effectiveness of the drugs administered and reduce the number and severity of side effects of drug treatment.
Medicines with this approach accumulate strictly in the target area of the patient's body and do not affect healthy organs and tissues. To move drugs, it is proposed to use special molecules — RNA aptamers, or short single-stranded nucleic acids capable of binding to certain proteins, including proteins of the cell membrane. Interfering RNAs are planned to be used as a basic drug against cancer.
The use of RNA aptamers for the targeted movement of small interfering RNAs is considered a very promising direction in the development of anticancer and antiviral drugs. Advantages of RNA aptamers: simplicity of their preparation, low immunogenicity, high penetration ability and high specificity to cancer target cells.
According to the estimates of analytical companies, in 2018 the global market of targeted drug delivery systems may amount to more than $ 200 billion, and the total market of RNA aptamers used for diagnosis and treatment in 2014 may reach $ 1.9 billion. At the same time, the spread of the technology is likely to entail a reduction in its cost and partly displace traditional cancer drugs, changing the structure of this market.
The level of development of this technology in Russia allows us to consider it among the most promising. "Our country has a "groundwork" – basic knowledge and infrastructure that can be used for the accelerated development of relevant research areas," the bulletin of the Higher School of Economics says.
Researchers consider two more key technological trends: implantable devices using microchip technology with a wireless communication channel to control the treatment of chronic diseases, and "pocket" biosensors for the diagnosis of acute respiratory infections.
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru12.09.2014