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Genetic Linkage

Gene Silencing Through RNA Interference Scores First Drug Approval

The Food and Drug Administration recently approved the first drug based on RNA interference (RNAi). Unlike media darlings gene therapy and gene editing, RNAi silences genes. The first approval is a milestone two decades in the making.

The new drug, Onpattro (patisiran), treats the tingling, tickling, and burning sensations from the rare condition hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis, aka hATTR. About 3,000 people have it in the US. Alnylam Pharmaceuticals provides this “first-of-its-kind RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutic.” Like other new nucleic-acid based treatments, it’s pricey. The cost per year for the every-third-week intravenous infusion is $450,000.

To continue reading go to Genetic Literacy Project, where this post first appeared.

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