Oligonucleotidic therapeutics

Numerous oligonucleotide-based biopharmaceuticals have been tested to suppress disease progression. These potent therapeutics include plasmids containing transgenes, antisense oligonucleotides, ribozymes, DNAzymes, decoys, aptamers and small interfering RNAs. This perspective discusses the mechanisms and clinical applications of such oligonuclecitidic therapeutics. In addition, the most promising oligonucleotides, antisense oligonucleotides and small interfering RNAs, are discussed with regard to future applications.