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news.Tekmira Pharmaceuticals has developed a new RNAi therapeutic targeting aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) for the treatment of alcohol dependence (AD).
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Inhibition of ALDH2 activity, a key enzyme in ethanol metabolism, through the silencing of ALDH2, results in the build-up of acetaldehyde, which causes adverse physiological effects that cause individuals to avoid alcohol consumption.
The mechanism is similar to that of the approved drug disulfiram (Antabuse), the company said.
Alcohol dependence is a progressive disease distinguished from alcohol abuse by chronic use, tolerance, and physical addiction.
Tekmira president and CEO Mark Murray said ALDH2 is a validated target with both genetic and pharmacological data supporting its role as a key player in alcohol avoidance.
"Our new TKM-ALDH2 program aims to address the limitations of existing treatments of alcohol dependence, such as low response rates and poor patient compliance," Murray added.