Topically-delivered Targeted Gene Suppression of Immune Activation in Psoriasis

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): AuraSense Therapeutics (AST), along with Northwestern University, is applying a recently developed technology using oligonucleotide-functionalized nanoparticles (called spherical nucleic acids or SNAs) to control protein expression. These easily synthesized nanoparticles can have either DNA or RNA shells, and are less than 50 nm in hydrodynamic diameter. SNA constructs are a powerful new way of regulating gene expression. Significance Conventional drug development is anincreasingly expensive proposition. In recent years, pharmaceutical manufacturers have pursued gene regulation's potential with aggressive efforts to generate therapeutic leads for cancer. Identification of target genes has proceeded quickly, but the pharmaceutical industry as a whole faces major challenges involving the safe and effective use of oligonucleotide-based gene regulation technology. The major barriers include nucleic acid stability, immune-related toxicity, and delivery challenges. Oligonu