Creative Biolabs, a global contract research organization, has launched a comprehensive, one-stop service platform for antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) development, aiming to accelerate the translation of RNA therapeutics from concept to preclinical candidates. The announcement, made from the company's Shirley, NY headquarters, underscores the growing need for integrated solutions in a field where fragmented workflows often impede progress.
ASO therapeutics have emerged as a powerful modality for treating genetic disorders, oncology, and neuromuscular diseases by modulating gene expression. However, researchers face persistent technical hurdles, including designing sequences with high binding affinity, protecting oligonucleotides from enzymatic degradation in vivo, and achieving targeted delivery to specific tissues. Creative Biolabs' new platform addresses these challenges through a unified pipeline that combines proprietary bioinformatic optimization, advanced chemical modifications, and robust preclinical validation.
Central to the service is the use of thermodynamic simulation and RNA secondary structure accessibility prediction to identify optimal target regions, reducing off-target effects from the outset. The company offers a range of oligonucleotide architectures, such as Gapmers and steric-blocking oligos, with chemical modifications including phosphorothioate backbones, phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers, and sugar modifications like 2'-MOE and cEt to enhance nuclease resistance and in vivo stability. Synthesis capabilities span from milligram to multi-gram scales.
A critical aspect of ASO development is overcoming cellular uptake barriers. Creative Biolabs provides customized delivery technologies, including GalNAc conjugation for liver targeting, antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates for extrahepatic tissues, and specialized lipid nanoparticle formulations. These conjugation strategies are designed to improve bioavailability and reduce required doses, potentially enhancing safety profiles.
The platform also includes rigorous preclinical validation, with in vitro screening for mRNA knockdown via qPCR and cytotoxicity testing, as well as in vivo pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profiling to support candidate selection. By unifying design, synthesis, and testing under one roof, Creative Biolabs aims to eliminate the data inconsistency and extended timelines associated with coordinating multiple vendors.
“Many therapeutic pipelines stall because a high-affinity sequence fails under physiological conditions due to poor delivery or low stability,” said the Chief Scientific Officer at Creative Biolabs. “Our one-stop platform eliminates these silos. By matching customized chemical modifications with precise conjugation chemistries early in the design phase, we significantly lower required doses and improve the safety profiles of our clients' candidates.”
The company's portfolio includes ready-to-use ASO products targeting oncology, genetic disorders, and neuromuscular diseases, providing flexibility for researchers. The launch comes as RNA therapeutics continue to reshape drug discovery, with ASOs representing a rapidly growing segment. For more information on the services, visit Creative Biolabs Gene Therapy.
