DNAzyme Delivery Systems: Getting Past First Base

Abstract

DNAzyme technology has evolved into a discipline with the potential for presenting drug agents against cancer and atherosclerosis. However, current approaches still rely on sub-optimal drug delivery systems (DDSs) for DNAzymes. Certain DDSs have shown potential, such as chitosan and polyethylenimine (PEI), although more emphasis needs to be placed on actual efficacy and safety, in addition to establishing the pharmacokinetics of the molecule being tested. Unfortunately, the plethora of DDSs reported for antisense delivery – the trailblazer for target gene knockdown agents – have yet to yield even one entity capable of being used clinically, and clinicians have resorted to administering continuous systemic free oligonucleotides with promising, albeit lukewarm results. The challenge ahead for DNAzymes to be considered genuine drug candidates alongside siRNA and antisense simply lies in the better implementation of DDSs.

Keywords::

• chitosan
• DNAzyme
• drug delivery system
• gene therapy
• liposome
• oligonucleotide