What is
Blockmir?
Blockmir Technology
The technology uses short highly modified oligonucleotides – Blockmirs – to block specific miRNA binding sites on individual mRNAs. This achieves gene specific upregulation on protein level and sets the Blockmir Technology apart from most other therapeutic modalities which aim to antagonize mRNA or protein activity. Blockmirs are agonists of gene expression and lead to physiologic upregulation of protein levels.
The Blockmir Technology is covered by a broad and dominant portfolio of issued patents. The patent estate covers the target mRNAs of more than 300 miRNAs – which means several thousands of different target mRNAs that can be upregulated individually. A composition of matter for a general Blockmir design with improved selectivity and potency is also granted.
Upregulation of therapeutically relevant proteins is applicable in a wide range of diseases spanning from cancer to rare genetic and metabolic disorders where even a small upregulation of a single protein can mean a world of difference for the patients. Blockmirs, sometimes called target protectors or protectomirs, have been used in more than 160 academic research programs worldwide, showing upregulation of many therapeutically relevant targets and underscoring the wide application of this technology.
