One of the useful applications of RNAi technology has been discussed as a therapy.
Based on the current state of this technology is this therapy methd currently used for humans?
Is it more expensive? how much more approximately?
RNAi cannot be vaccine. It can be a therapy.
However, RNA vaccine is possible.
https://immunolabsolutions.com/2020/03/12/rna-vaccines/
Hello, if re-infection with coronavirus possible next day after treatment about which vaccination we are talking.
Theoretically yes should you know precisely which RNA target to choose and how to dispense the RNAi to the patient
Jean-Pierre Jost Probably target to the virus 'spike protein', where it binds to the human cell receptors and let the virus get into our body. But, how to make RNAi molecular into every part (or a specific organ) of our body? In plants, we can just transform the RNAi machinery to a single cell (then it developed into a transgenic plant) with a constitutive promoter or a tissue-specific promoter for disease protection. Every cell has RNAi molecules produced if a constitutive promoter is used. Cells from a specific tissue will be protected if a tissue-specific promoter is used.
Yuan-Yeu Yau, not the whole body, just nasal spray, the lung is the matter and cause of death toll.
Pejman Abbasi That is a good thought, but what active ingredients should be inside the nasal spray solution? RNA is very unstable.
There is a paper discussing the possibility of using RNAi to treat coronovirus. See the link below. But, also as it mentions that RNA is unstable, and a specific formulation needed to be found for the delivery of the molecules.
Link here: Article Respiratory viral diseases: Access to RNA interference therapy
I found that one company is developing RNAi technology (siRNA) for COVID-19 virus. Here is the report:
"Sirnaomics is among the pharmaceutical companies that have commenced activities to develop drugs for the Wuhan coronavirus. Sirnaomics has engaged its research teams in the US and China to develop RNA interference (RNAi)-based prophylactics and therapeutics.
Previously, the company used small interfering RNA (siRNA) drugs to treat SARS coronavirus, H5N1 influenza and other respiratory viral infections.
To address the virus, the company discovered siRNAs that selectively act on the genes required for the viral infection and replication.
The company intends to partner with laboratories having cell culture models of the infection to develop several siRNA drug candidates.
Sirnaomics CEO and president Patrick Lu said: “Our team’s in-depth knowledge and experience using RNAi technology to fight respiratory viral infection in the previous SARS outbreak will add on to our antiviral weaponry to fight SARI. The unique siRNA drug design and chemical modification, respiratory specific siRNA delivery formulation, and the handheld nebulizer device are providing a clear pathway for developing novel siRNA therapeutics and prophylactics against 2019-nCoV infection.”
source: https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/news/coronavirus-abbvie-sirnaomics/
The picture attached show 'Nebulizer device' described in my previous answer.
Yuan-Yeu Yau Not RNA, may RNAi packaged into viral particles is a good option.
Yuan-Yeu Yau, thank you for your comment. An alternative is to target the replication system of the virus with RNAi. Since the lungs are the main target of the virus causing problem it is conceivable to treat a patient with the intake (respiration) of an aerosol loaded with a specific RNAi. In plants it’s for more easy and we have already cultivars expressing RNAi to fight against specific insects.
The situation of COVID19 in N. Italy is out of control and it is more compatible with MERS / SARS. New treatments are urgent >>> https://www.researchgate.net/post/The_novel_Coronavirus_in_N_Italy_Lombardia_COVID19_2019nCoV_SARSCoV2_shows_a_fatality_rate_compatible_with_SARS_Why2
Jean-Pierre Jost Yes, indeed. See my post above:
" To address the virus, the company discovered siRNAs that selectively act on the genes required for the viral infection and replication. "
**RNAi (RNA interference) is the name of the technology/phenomena. siRNA molecule is the material used to do RNAi.
There is any update news regarding the vaccine for COVID-19?
