Target Specificity and Delivery Considerations In Creating RNAi Therapeutics

Abstract

RNAi is a naturally occurring process with the ability to destroy foreign RNA. Recently, RNAi is being used to create therapeutics for diseases and foreign viruses. Although it seems rather simple to create a therapeutic through natural processes there are concerns regarding using RNAi as a therapeutic. In this review I address challenges with this form of therapy such as target specificity and delivery. In regards to target specificity I include methods which directly alter the siRNA to increase the specificity of the therapies impact. I also discuss various delivery methods that were used in the past along with methods that are most preferred today. Lastly, I propose a possible model for the therapeutic which combines different specificity and delivery methods.