Global and Chinese trends in oligonucleotide drug clinical development: A comparative analysis

Oligonucleotide drugs are anticipated to mark the new wave of pharmaceutical innovation, succeeding the eras of small molecule drugs and monoclonal antibodies. This review assessed a decade of global and Chinese clinical advancements in this field. Since 2013, there has been a notable surge in the development of oligonucleotide drugs, although a considerable majority of these candidates are still in the nascent stages of clinical trials. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) represent two pivotal classes both on global scale and within China. Rare diseases have been the main therapeutic target for oligonucleotide drugs, with a less pronounced focus in China's pipeline relative to the global trend. Concurrently, these drugs are broadening their scope to encompass a variety of indications, potentially revolutionizing treatment approaches for chronic conditions. While China's clinical development in this sector is in its infancy compared to the global stage, technological progress and favorable policies are expected to foster a new landscape of oligonucleotide drug development in the future.