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The discovery of microRNAs has created a whole new class of potential therapeutics that promise to be powerful, inexpensive, and free of adverse effects (JW Gen Med Dec 31 2003). An international team identified a specific microRNA — miR-122 — that is abundant in liver and can attach to the genome of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and thereby promote replication of the virus.
The investigators created an oligonucleotide that bound to and inactivated miR-122. They injected it weekly for 12 weeks into chimpanzees with HCV infections. Oligonucleotide treatment suppressed HCV viremia and improved liver inflammation and pathology during the injection period and for 16 additional weeks of follow-up. Researchers noted no rebound in viremia, and HCV did no…