Therapeutic potential of ribozymes in haematological disorders

Ribozymes are RNA molecules that possess the ability to cleave and thus des troy other RNA molecules. As a result of this ability, they are ideal speci fic agents to use against the messenger RNAs of important genes found to be linked with disease (of cellular and viral origin). This review will brief ly describe the different types of ribozyme and the potential they have as therapeutic compounds against viruses, oncogenes and drug resistance in hae matological settings. The latest news from the various Phase I and II riboz yme clinical trials is discussed, as is the potential for the ribozymes' fu ture as therapeutic agents.