Different approaches for aptamer conjugated drugs preparation

Abstract

In the emerging class of synthetic molecules, aptamers have shown both diagnostics & therapeutics potentials. In past few years a new concept has come that justify the use of aptamer conjugated drugs or ApDC. This approach is not new and already in use through monoclonal antibody conjugated drugs for treatment of certain diseases. However due to certain advantages of aptamers over antibody, more interest has been shifted towards ApDC. Drugs can be conjugated to aptamers by non-covalent and covalent approaches. Doxorubicin an anticancer drug has been conjugated to aptamers and the complex has shown better efficacy and reduced cell toxicity in comparison to drug that was administered alone. Other approaches used addition of complement protein or Fc region of antibody to aptamer for activating host immune system for killing antibiotics resistant bacteria etc. This gives a promising scenario for ApDC future but at the same time efficient ApDC production and its use is still a big challenge.