PROJECT SUMMARY:
Oligonucleotide therapeutics, like siRNA, are attractive because they target messenger RNA and thus, can
modulate the expression of protein targets that are inaccessible to small molecules, antibodies and peptides.
Challenges identifying safe and effective ways to deliver siRNA therapeutics into cells outside of the liver have
greatly limited the expansion of oligonucleotides as a therapeutic class. DTx Pharma has identified a lipid motif
that when covalently coupled to siRNA enables its activity in vivo in muscle, fat, heart, lung and liver following
systemic administration. DTx-lipidated siRNA is also highly efficacious ex vivo in primary cells such as muscle,
fat, stellate, endothelial and neuronal cells and at least an order of magnitude more potent at repressing mRNA
expression relative to conjugates of other fatty acids that have been previously described. These preliminary
data are highly encouraging and appear unique relative to other technologies reported to enable delivery of
siRNA in vivo; however, we have generated very limited in vivo data with DTx-conjugated siRNAs and are yet to
explore characteristics like mode of action, bioavailability, safety or relative activity compared to GalNAc and
cholesterol, the ‘gold-standard’ conjugation approaches for delivery of siRNA to and beyond the liver,
respectively. Additionally, we are yet to apply learnings from the successful development of lipidated peptide
therapeutics that are likely to enhance the activity of our original lead in tissues outside of the liver. In SA1, a
novel lipid siRNA conjugate, DTx-EAB, with enhanced affinity for albumin but, similar activity in primary cells in
the absence of albumin to the DTx-conjugated siRNA described above, will be evaluated in vivo in mice against
the original conjugate for its ability to deliver siRNA beyond the liver. This novel conjugate was designed based
on knowledge of half-life extension from peptide biologics and is expected to be far more potent at repressing
mRNA expression in tissues outside of the liver because its enhanced albumin binding affinity will prolong
residence time in circulation and increase exposure to these tissues. In SA2, we will advance our knowledge of
the mode of action, bioavailability, safety and relative activity of DTx-EAB and the original DTx-conjugated siRNA
compared with GalNAc and cholesterol. An analytical PK assay will be developed to understand whether any
increased activity of DTx-EAB over cholesterol conjugates is likely due to half-life extension in the circulation. In
the final aim, SA3, we will test whether DTx-EAB technology can be leveraged to improve outcomes in the mouse
mdx model of muscular dystrophy. Therapeutics targeting myostatin, like cholesterol-conjugated myostatin
siRNA, enhance muscle mass in animal models. DTx-EAB and cholesterol myostatin siRNA conjugates will be
compared in the mdx model with the goal of demonstrating that DTx technology is far more potent at improving
outcomes and thus, at delivering siRNA to muscle. Evaluation of the mode of action, the tissues to which DTx-
conjugates deliver siRNA to, and the relative efficacy and safety, across these 3 aims will allow us to select
indications and siRNA targets where this delivery approach is likely to have a meaningful benefit.