Alicaforsen

Alicaforsen is an antisense oligonucleotide therapeutic that targets the messenger RNA for the production of human ICAM-1 protein. It was discovered by Ionis Pharmaceuticals (formerly Isis Pharmaceuticals) and as of 2017 was under development by Atlantic Healthcare for pouchitis in an enema formulation. Alicaforsen is an antisense oligonucleotide therapeutic that targets the messenger RNA for the production of human ICAM-1 protein. It was discovered by Ionis Pharmaceuticals (formerly Isis Pharmaceuticals) and as of 2017 was under development by Atlantic Healthcare for pouchitis in an enema formulation. ICAM-1 promotes the extravasation and activation of leukocytes (white blood cells), which is part of the inflammation process. Alicaforsen inhibits the activity of ICAM-1 protein by degrading mRNA coding for it via an RNase-H based mechanism. It appears to have better efficacy as a topical medication than via systemic administration which is typical of antisense drugs. Preclinical Studies of Alicaforsen