ABSTRACT
In this era, RNA molecules have provided a unique opportunity to researchers all over the world for expanding their range of targets in the development of drugs. Due to the unique pharmacological as well as physicochemical characteristics of different RNA molecules such as aptamers, small interfering RNAs (siRNA), antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) and guide RNAs (gRNA), they have emerged recently as a new class of drugs. They are used for selective action on proteins and genes that were not possible to target by conventional drug molecules. These RNA molecules like guide RNAs are also components of novel gene editing mechanisms which can modify the genome nearly in all cells. Vaccines based on RNA molecules have also provided a promising alternative to conventional live attenuated vaccines. RNA based vaccines have high potency, can be rapidly developed, and have potential for manufacturing at a cheaper rate and safe administration. However, the application of these RNAs has been restricted by the high instability and inefficient in vivo delivery. Technological advancement needs to overcome these issues so that RNA based drugs targeting several diseases can be developed. This article emphasizes the potential of RNA based drugs and the major barriers associated with the development of RNA therapeutics. Additionally, the role of RNA based vaccines and their challenges in advancing this promising vaccine platform for the prevention of infectious diseases have been discussed.
Subject(s)
Aptamers, Nucleotide , Oligonucleotides, Antisense , Pharmaceutical Preparations/classification , RNA, Guide, Kinetoplastida , RNA, Small Interfering , mRNA Vaccines , Animals , HumansSubject(s)
Adrenal Cortex Hormones , Drug Interactions , Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions , Multiple Chronic Conditions , Pharmaceutical Preparations/classification , Polypharmacology , Risk Adjustment/methods , Adrenal Cortex Hormones/classification , Adrenal Cortex Hormones/pharmacology , Aged , COVID-19/diagnosis , COVID-19/epidemiology , Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions/diagnosis , Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions/epidemiology , Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions/etiology , Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions/prevention & control , Female , Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data , Humans , Italy/epidemiology , Male , Multiple Chronic Conditions/drug therapy , Multiple Chronic Conditions/epidemiology , Pharmacokinetics , Retrospective Studies , Risk Assessment , SARS-CoV-2 , Treatment Outcome , COVID-19 Drug TreatmentABSTRACT
The concept of going 'green' and 'cold' has led to utilizing renewable resources for the synthesis of microbial biosurfactants that are both patient and eco-friendly. In this review, we shed light on the potential and regulatory aspects of biosurfactants in pharmaceutical applications and how they can significantly contribute to novel concepts for the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine and future treatment. We emphasize that more specific guidelines should be formulated to regulate the approval of biosurfactants for human use. It is also crucial to implement a risk-based approach from the early research and development (R&D) phase in addition to establishing more robust standardized techniques and assays to evaluate the characteristics of biosurfactants.