Abstract
Injectable anticoagulants are widely used in medical procedures to prevent unwanted blood clotting. However, many lack safe, effective reversal agents. Here, we present new data on a previously described RNA origami-based, direct thrombin inhibitor (HEX01). We describe a new, fast-acting, specific, single-molecule reversal agent (antidote) and present in vivo data for the first time, including efficacy, reversibility, preliminary safety, and initial biodistribution studies. HEX01 contains multiple thrombin-binding aptamers appended on an RNA origami. It exhibits excellent anticoagulation activity in vitro and in vivo. The new single-molecule, DNA antidote (HEX02) reverses anticoagulation activity of HEX01 in human plasma within 30 s in vitro and functions effectively in a murine liver laceration model. Biodistribution studies of HEX01 in whole mice using ex vivo imaging show accumulation mainly in the liver over 24 h and with 10-fold lower concentrations in the kidneys. Additionally, we show that the HEX01/HEX02 system is non-cytotoxic to epithelial cell lines and non-hemolytic in vitro. Furthermore, we found no serum cytokine response to HEX01/HEX02 in a murine model. HEX01 and HEX02 represent a safe and effective coagulation control system with a fast-acting, specific reversal agent showing promise for potential drug development.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Molecular Therapy |
Volume | 32 |
Issue | 7 |
Pages (from-to) | 2286-2298 |
Number of pages | 13 |
ISSN | 1525-0016 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 3 Jul 2024 |
Keywords
- anticoagulant
- aptamer
- direct thrombin inhibitor
- in vivo
- murine model
- nanomedicine
- nucleic acid nanostructure
- reversal agent
- RNA nanotechnology
- RNA origami