23 min listen
Ep. 14: On the face of it, RNA is a terrible drug target
FromStereo Chemistry
ratings:
Length:
32 minutes
Released:
Jan 3, 2019
Format:
Podcast episode
Description
RNA should be a terrible drug target. It’s long, noodle-like structure lacks the nooks and crannies that small molecule drugs use to grab onto proteins and thereby control them. But a decades-old disregard for RNA is starting to change. In August 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the first-ever RNA interference (RNAi) drug, which uses a double-stranded RNA molecule to prevent the production of disease-related proteins. In the past two years, several startups have launched to show that some RNAs can, just like proteins, be drugged with small molecules. And a third group of companies recently emerged with plans to drug proteins that make modifications to RNA, part of the budding field of epitranscriptomics. In this episode, C&EN visits Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Novartis, and Accent Therapeutics to discuss these three strategies, and to understand how RNA-modulating therapies will compete in the wider world of drug discovery. Visit our website for a script of this podcast. Music credits: “And...(Insert Problem Here)” by GR∑Y is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0. “Raccoon Family Robinson”, “Robot Park”, and "The Confrontation" by Podington Bear are licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0. “Wireless” by Lee Rosevere is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0. Image credit: J. Am. Chem. Soc.
Released:
Jan 3, 2019
Format:
Podcast episode
Titles in the series (83)
Ep. 2: Chemistry is not immune from sexual harassment: In September, C&EN published a cover story on sex… by Stereo Chemistry