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Case Study

Aptamers for Targeted Drug Delivery

Case Study

Aptamers for Targeted Drug Delivery

Detecting and Targeting HER2

Detecting and specifically targeting HER2, a protein overexpressed in certain cancers, is crucial for effective therapeutic interventions. HER2 plays a pivotal role in tumor growth and progression, and targeted therapies such as HER2 inhibitors can significantly inhibit cancer cell proliferation and promote tumor regression. Precise identification of HER2 status allows for personalized treatment approaches, improving patient outcomes and highlighting the significance of detecting and targeting this biomarker in cancer therapy.

NeoVentures has developed aptamers specifically for targeting HER2 for the purposes of targeted drug delivery

Detecting and Targeting HER2

Detecting and specifically targeting HER2, a protein overexpressed in certain cancers, is crucial for effective therapeutic interventions.

HER2 plays a pivotal role in tumor growth and progression, and targeted therapies such as HER2 inhibitors can significantly inhibit cancer cell proliferation and promote tumor regression.

Precise identification of HER2 status allows for personalized treatment approaches, improving patient outcomes and highlighting the significance of detecting and targeting this biomarker in cancer therapy.

NeoVentures has developed aptamers specifically for targeting HER2 for the purposes of targeted drug delivery

Flow Cytometry

Evaluation of the binding of our HER2-specific aptamer (right) on SKBR3 cells, along with a negative control aptamer (left) via flow cytometry.

The fluorescence of the HER2 aptamer was significantly higher on the SKBR3 (known to have high HER2 levels) compared to the negative control aptamer.

Flow Cytometry graph displaying cell populations.

Flow Cytometry

Evaluation of the binding of our HER2-specific aptamer (right) on SKBR3 cells, along with a negative control aptamer (left) via flow cytometry.

The fluorescence of the HER2 aptamer was significantly higher on the SKBR3 (known to have high HER2 levels) compared to the negative control aptamer.

Flow Cytometry graph displaying cell populations.

Fluorescence Microscopy

Evaluation of the specificity of our HER2-specific aptamer on live cells, along with a negative control aptamer. A HER2 antibody was used to confirm high HER2 expression on the SKOV3 cells (top) and low HER2 expression on the SKOV3-HER2 KO (bottom) cells.

This confirms that the selected HER2 aptamer binds specially to HER2 over-expressing cells.

doi: 10.3390/ph9020029

HER2 Fluorescence Microscopy chart displaying levels of HER2 expression in cells.

Fluorescence Microscopy

Evaluation of the specificity of our HER2-specific aptamer on live cells, along with a negative control aptamer. A HER2 antibody was used to confirm high HER2 expression on the SKOV3 cells (top) and low HER2 expression on the SKOV3-HER2 KO (bottom) cells.

This confirms that the selected HER2 aptamer binds specially to HER2 over expressing cells.

doi: 10.3390/ph9020029

HER2 Fluorescence Microscopy chart displaying levels of HER2 expression in cells.

How Neomers Changes Aptamer Science

Neomers overcomes all the problems SELEX has.

Due to the novel way that the library is designed, we are able to start with the same library for every selection. This allows us to complete selection on our target, as well as any off targets separately.

Graphical representation or diagram illustrating the steps of the Neomer method.

Using this method, we are able to account for those sequences that bind to the off targets, even those that bind weakly, and remove them from the list of potential sequences to be chosen if they also appear in our target binding sequencing results. Since this is all from the same library, we are constantly learning what sequences bind to certain targets.

We have already characterized the binding of our Neomer library to Human Serum Albumin (HSA), IgG, and other proteins found in high abundance in blood. This allows us to create an ‘immune tolerance’ system in-silico and remove any sequences that bind to a ‘self’ antigen.

Neomers will enable more successful applications of aptamers.

How Neomers Changes Aptamer Science

Neomers overcomes all the problems SELEX has.

Due to the novel way that the library is designed, we are able to start with the same library for every selection. This allows us to complete selection on our target, as well as any off targets separately.

Graphical representation or diagram illustrating the steps of the Neomer method.

Using this method, we are able to account for those sequences that bind to the off targets, even those that bind weakly, and remove them from the list of potential sequences to be chosen if they also appear in our target binding sequencing results. Since this is all from the same library, we are constantly learning what sequences bind to certain targets.

We have already characterized the binding of our Neomer library to Human Serum Albumin (HSA), IgG, and other proteins found in high abundance in blood. This allows us to create an ‘immune tolerance’ system in-silico and remove any sequences that bind to a ‘self’ antigen.

Neomers will enable more successful applications of aptamers.

About NeoVentures

NeoVentures was founded in 2002 and has since become the world leader in aptamer development and applications. The company was co-founded by Ximena Vedoya and Gregory Penner based on their observation of the need to bridge the gap between aptamer discovery and commercial application.

We are committed to applying innovative approaches to improving health care. Our expertise and passion will help you unlock new market opportunities.

About NeoVentures

NeoVentures was founded in 2002 and has since become the world leader in aptamer development and applications. The company was co-founded by Ximena Vedoya and Gregory Penner based on their observation of the need to bridge the gap between aptamer discovery and commercial application.

We are committed to applying innovative approaches to improving health care. Our expertise and passion will help you unlock new market opportunities.

Experience the benefits of working with NeoVentures.
Get in touch with our team now.

Experience the benefits of working with NeoVentures.
Get in touch with our team now.