Customer Demand Communication and Project Design
We begin with a consultation to understand your therapeutic goals and project scope, then design a customized aptamer discovery plan.
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At Creative Biolabs, we leverage decades of expertise in life sciences to provide unparalleled aptamer-based anti-monkeypox drug discovery solutions. Our commitment is to empower clients with innovative monkeypox products and medications, offering a comprehensive, one-stop service designed to accelerate therapeutic development and ensure global health security.
The monkeypox virus (MPXV) is a significant pathogen, classified as a double-stranded DNA virus within the Orthopoxvirus genus. It is the causative agent of monkeypox (Mpox), a zoonotic disease primarily characterized by systemic symptoms including fever, headache, and muscle aches, followed by the development of a distinctive vesicular rash that progresses through various stages. Understanding the intricate biology of MPXV, including its replication cycle and interaction with host cells, is paramount for the development of targeted therapeutic interventions.
Aptamers are innovative single-stranded nucleic acid molecules, composed of either DNA or RNA, which possess the remarkable capacity to fold into unique three-dimensional structures. These structures enable them to bind to a diverse array of target molecules, with high affinity and exquisite specificity. Functionally analogous to antibodies but offering distinct advantages such as enhanced stability, ease of chemical synthesis, and reduced immunogenicity, aptamers represent a highly versatile and promising platform for modern drug discovery.
Fig.1 Mechanism of action of aptamers.1
The identification of these powerful molecular tools is primarily achieved through systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX). This robust in vitro iterative selection process systematically enriches for high-affinity binders from vast, complex libraries of random oligonucleotides. Through repeated cycles of binding, partitioning, and amplification, SELEX efficiently isolates aptamer sequences that can precisely target specific viral components or host factors, thereby offering a novel and highly adaptable approach to antiviral drug development.
Fig.2 Graphical representation of the SELEX strategy.1
Creative Biolabs offers specialized services for the discovery and development of aptamer-based anti-Mpox therapeutics, leveraging our deep expertise in both DNA and RNA aptamer technologies. Our integrated approach ensures comprehensive support from initial target identification through to preclinical validation.
DNA aptamers offer exceptional stability and ease of synthesis, making them ideal candidates for robust antiviral therapeutics. Our service focuses on identifying high-affinity DNA sequences that can effectively neutralize the MPXV.
We employ advanced SELEX protocols to select DNA aptamers against various MPXV targets, including purified viral proteins (e.g., A35R, B21R, D8L, H3L), viral particles, or infected cells. Subsequent characterization involves rigorous binding kinetics analysis (SPR, BLI) and specificity assays to ensure optimal performance.
Promising DNA aptamer candidates are evaluated for their ability to inhibit MPXV infection in cell culture models. This includes assays for viral entry blockade, replication inhibition, and overall cytopathic effect reduction.
Selected DNA aptamers undergo chemical modifications to enhance their stability, nuclease resistance, and pharmacokinetic profiles, preparing them for in vivo applications.
RNA aptamers, with their diverse structural conformations, can offer unique binding specificities and potentially target a broader range of viral molecules, including those with intricate secondary and tertiary structures. Our RNA aptamer service complements our DNA-based offerings.
Utilizing specialized RNA SELEX methodologies, we isolate RNA aptamers against challenging MPXV targets, including viral RNA structures or proteins that may be more amenable to RNA-based interactions.
Identified RNA aptamers are rigorously tested for their binding affinity and specificity. Functional assays assess their capacity to interfere with viral processes in vitro, such as viral protein translation or RNA replication.
We focus on chemically modifying RNA aptamers to improve their in vivo stability against nucleases and explore various delivery strategies to ensure efficient cellular uptake and therapeutic efficacy.
We begin with a consultation to understand your therapeutic goals and project scope, then design a customized aptamer discovery plan.
Upon agreement on design and deliverables, a formal contract is signed, launching the project with allocated resources.
This phase involves core lab work: target preparation, SELEX, aptamer sequencing, and initial characterization. Our facilities ensure precise execution.
Meticulous analysis of selection and characterization data provides comprehensive reports detailing aptamer sequences, affinities, specificities, and functional data.
Validated aptamer candidates and data are delivered upon completion. We offer ongoing consultation and technical support for subsequent preclinical or clinical development.
Click the button to contact us for service details and a custom quote.
Aptamers exert their anti-Mpox effects through various mechanisms of action (MoA). Primarily, they can directly neutralize the virus by binding to essential viral proteins, such as those involved in host cell attachment (e.g., A35R, H3L) or viral entry (e.g., D8L, B21R), thereby preventing infection. They can also inhibit viral replication by targeting key enzymes or structural proteins required for genome synthesis or assembly. Furthermore, aptamers can modulate host factors that MPXV exploits for its life cycle, disrupting the host-pathogen interaction. Their high specificity ensures that these interventions are precisely targeted, minimizing off-target effects and enhancing therapeutic safety.
Fig.3 The aptamers based antiviral therapy.1
Rapid Discovery Cycle
Our optimized SELEX platforms significantly reduce the time required from target identification to lead aptamer validation.
High-Affinity & Specificity
We consistently deliver aptamers with picomolar to nanomolar binding affinities, ensuring potent and precise therapeutic action.
Customizable Targets
Our flexible approach allows for aptamer selection against a wide array of Mpox-related targets, including challenging viral proteins or whole cells.
Comprehensive Characterization
Every aptamer undergoes rigorous biochemical and functional validation, providing robust data for informed decision-making.
End-to-End Support
From project design to preclinical guidance, our team provides continuous expert support throughout your drug development journey.
Our rigorous aptamer selection process incorporates counter-selection steps to eliminate aptamers that bind non-specifically to unrelated molecules or host components. Furthermore, we perform extensive validation assays, including surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and biolayer interferometry (BLI), to precisely measure binding kinetics and confirm high specificity to the intended MPXV target.
Aptamers offer several distinct advantages over antibodies. They are chemically synthesized, ensuring batch-to-batch consistency and cost-effective, scalable production. Their smaller size allows for better tissue penetration, and they exhibit superior stability across varying temperatures and pH levels. Additionally, aptamers are generally non-immunogenic, reducing the risk of adverse immune reactions in patients.
Absolutely. The nucleic acid nature of aptamers allows for straightforward chemical modifications. We can incorporate modified nucleotides, such as 2'-fluoropyrimidines or locked nucleic acids (LNAs), to enhance nuclease resistance and prolong their half-life in circulation. Conjugation with polyethylene glycol (PEG) or other moieties can also significantly improve pharmacokinetic profiles.
While our primary focus is on aptamer discovery and in vitro characterization, we provide comprehensive support for preclinical development. This includes guidance on designing in vivo efficacy studies and pharmacokinetic profiling. We can also collaborate with trusted partners for specialized in vivo testing to further advance your aptamer candidates.
The minimum quantity of target protein required for aptamer selection can vary, but typically, we recommend starting with at least 100 micrograms of purified protein. For cell-based SELEX, a sufficient number of cells is needed. Our team will assess your specific target and provide precise recommendations during the initial project consultation to ensure successful aptamer isolation.
Our commitment to your success extends beyond the initial project delivery. We offer ongoing technical consultation and expert advice for any subsequent development phases, including lead optimization, formulation, and further preclinical studies. Our team is available to address any questions or challenges that may arise as you advance your aptamer-based anti-Mpox therapeutic.
With cutting-edge high-throughput screening, artificial intelligence, and in vitro and in vivo platforms, Creative Biolabs is dedicated to providing a comprehensive spectrum of monkeypox products and customized solutions for aptamers-based anti-monkeypox drug discovery. To find out more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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We DO NOT PROVIDE ANY PRODUCTS OR SERVICES DIRECTLY TO PATIENTS. All of our products are for Research Use Only (RUO), NOT intended for diagnostic, therapeutic, or clinical use.