Ribozyme therapy

Ribozymes are catalytic RNA molecules that can cleave targeted RNA in a seq uence-specific manner. The ability to target these compounds to a specific molecular target opens up exciting opportunities for rational drug design f or the treatment of asthma and COPD. Strategic cleavage of RNA encoding any of the many cytokines and/or their receptors now believed to play a role i n the etiology of these diseases could result in effective therapeutics wit h minimal toxicity. Ribozymes have been demonstrated to be efficacious in v ivo, result in minimal toxicity, and are currently in clinical trials. Syst emic or pulmonary delivery could be used to deliver ribozymes to their site of action.