Aptamers, often referred to as chemical antibodies, are versatile DNA or RNA oligonucleotides that mimic the function of antibodies by binding tightly to specific target molecules. Their ability to modify target functions opens up new possibilities for inhibiting or activating crucial biological processes. What sets aptamers apart from traditional antibodies is their ease of synthesis and cost-effectiveness. Compared to antibodies, aptamers can be synthesized quickly and at a fraction of the cost, making them an attractive alternative for therapeutic development.
If you are curious about the future of therapeutics and the exciting advancements in the field of aptamers, you will want to attend the upcoming presentation by Carrie Vyhlidal, Associate Director at KCAS, at the prestigious EBF Spring Focus Workshop meeting in Spain on June 8th. Carrie’s presentation on “Quantification of Synthetic DNA Aptamers in Plasma with qPCR” promises to shed light on the revolutionary potential of these short DNA or RNA molecules and their applications in various therapeutic fields.
Carrie’s presentation focuses on the detection and quantification of aptamers for pharmacokinetic and biodistribution assays, a critical aspect of their development. While analytical methods and PCR-based approaches have traditionally been used, they often come with complexities and high costs. Carrie and her team have developed a simplified approach using quantitative PCR (qPCR) and a double-stranded DNA binding dye to directly amplify aptamers. Through extensive method development and optimization, they achieved robust amplification with impressive sensitivity down to a hundred copies per microliter.
Furthermore, Carrie’s team explored the detection of aptamers in plasma, a crucial matrix for therapeutic studies. By diluting the plasma and directly amplifying the aptamers, they were able to overcome the limitations posed by inhibitors present in plasma, achieving excellent sensitivity and specificity. This breakthrough not only reduces sample preparation time and costs but also increases overall assay throughput.
So why is Carrie’s presentation at EBF so important for the industry and researchers in the field of aptamers? The use of aptamers in therapeutic applications is rapidly growing, with an increasing number of clinical trials exploring their potential across various medical fields. Consequently, it becomes crucial to develop cost-effective methods for the detection and quantification of aptamers in both preclinical and clinical studies. Carrie’s approach offers a practical and efficient solution to these challenges, empowering bioanalytical labs to support the development of aptamer-based therapeutics effectively.
The ideal audience for Carrie’s presentation includes researchers and developers working with therapeutic aptamers, whether DNA or RNA, as well as bioanalytical labs involved in supporting these development efforts. EBF, with its focus on regulatory and technological challenges in bioanalysis, provides an ideal platform for showcasing the advancements in aptamer research. Moreover, their emphasis on PCR-based methods aligns perfectly with the challenges and opportunities explored in Carrie’s presentation.
Carrie Vyhlidal’s presentation on aptamers as therapeutics is a game-changer in the industry. By attending her session at the EBF meeting, you will gain valuable insights into the cutting-edge world of aptamers, their detection methods, and their potential as transformative therapeutics. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay at the forefront of innovation and be a part of the future of aptamer-based therapies. Register for the EBF meeting and mark June 8th on your calendar to be inspired by Carrie’s expertise and the fascinating world of aptamers.