Title of Invention

"A TGF-BETA 2 ANTISENSE OLIGONUCLEOTIDE"

Abstract A TGF-beta2 antisense oligonucleotide or a pharmaceutical composition comprising such oligonucleotide suitable to inhibit the formation of metastases in cancer treatment, wherein the TGF-beta2 antisense oligonucleotide inhibits the production of TGF-beta1, -2, and/or -3. The cancer of the cancer treatment is selected from the group consisting of bile duct carcinoma, bladder carcinoma, brain tumor, breast cancer, bronchogenic carcinoma, carcinoma of the kidney, choriocarcinoma, cystadenocarcinoma, cervical carcinoma, colon carcinoma, colorectal carcinoma, embrional carcinoma, endometrial cancer, esophageal cancer, gallbladder cancer, gastric cancer, head and neck cancer, hepatocellular cancer, leukemia, liver carcinoma, lung carcinoma, lymphoma, medullary carcinoma, ovarian cancer, pancreas carcinoma, papillary carcinoma, prostate cancer, small intestine carcinoma, rectal cancer, renal cell carcinoma, sebaceous gland carcinoma, skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, testicular carcinoma, uterine cancer, acoustic neuromas, neurofibromas, trachomas, pyogenic granulomas; pre-malignant tumors, blastoma, Ewing's tumor, craniopharyngioma, ependymoma, medulloblastoma, hemanglioblastoma, melanoma, mesothelioma, neuroblastoma, neurofibroma, pinealoma, retinoblastoma, sarcoma, seminoma, Wilm's tumor and/or myeloma, multiple.
Full Text Pharmaceutical Composition
This invention is related to effective medicaments in cancer therapy. The formation of cancer on the one hand is combined with the unwanted growth of tissue and on the other hand is combined with the formation of metastases. The research in this field has disclosed a lot of mechanisms but still there is no therapy without severe side effects inhibiting metastases or inhibiting tumor progression in solid tumors respectively such as prostate cancer, bladder carcinoma, colon cancer, endometrial cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, melanoma, leukemia, lymphoma, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or ovarian cancer. Further cancers in this field are mesothelioma, myeloma multiple, osteosarcoma ,renal cancer, esophageal cancer or soft tissue cancer. Tumor derived transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) is discussed to play a pivotal role for the malignant progression by inducing metastasis, angiogenesis and tumor cell proliferation. Furthermore, it seems to play a central role in the escape mechanism from the immune System in tumor cells.
But the role of TGF beta in the literature is diversely discussed. On the one hand there are experiments indicating that TGF-beta inhibits tumor growth, on the other hand there are experiments that point out that TGF-beta induces cell proliferation, which makes its role in the tumor therapy ambivalent.
An additional point is that TGF-beta has a lot of different subclasses, TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta 2 and TGF-beta 3 whose specific roles in tumor progression are differently discussed, often summarized as TGF-beta and thus sometimes mixed up. The specific role of each TGF-beta subclass, namely TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta 2 and TGF-beta 3 are not so far sufficiently investigated.
EP 1008 649 and EP 0695354 teaches that both, TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2 antisense oligonucleotides can be used for manufacturing of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of breast tumor esophageal, gastric carcinomas and skin carcinogenesis. Whereas clinical studies seem to show, that in glioma the TGF-beta seems to play a key role and therefore the TGF-beta 2 antisense oligonucleotides are preferred targets for the treatment of e.g. glioma and breast cancer the Situation is completely different in other tumors.

In prostate cancer for example (Wikstrom, P., Scand J Urol Nephrol 34 S. 85-94), as weH as in some other cancers, there are hints, that TGF-beta levels are increased, but it is not clear if this system can be manipulated for therapeutical purposes.
It is known from interleukin 10 (IL-10) that it plays a central role in the regulation of the immune response. Since it was shown, that some interleuknvn 10 antisense oligonucleotides can enhance cell-mediated immune response it was important to find potent inhibitors of IL-10 in human to modulate the immune response in a way, that escape mechanisms of tumor cells are compensated, tumor growth is inhibited and the formation of metastases is reduced.
Therefore St was a task of this invention to find appropriate therapeutics for the treatnraent of tumors that inhibit the unwanted cell proliferation in tumor growth anchor in inhibit the formation of metastases.
One task of this invention is to find therapeutics that inhibit the formation of metastases.
Tumors such as bladder carcinoma, colon cancer, endometrial cancer, hepatocelltiilar carcinoma, leukemia, lymphoma, melanoma, non-small cell lung canoar(NSCLC), ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer have poor prognosis and so far no successful therapy is found. This is also the case for tumors such as mesothelioma, myeloma multiple, osteosarcomna, renal cancer, esophageaB cancer or soft tissue cancer. Therefore it was the task of this invention to find new therapeutics, that have the property specifically inhibiting these tumors and the use of these therapeutics for the treatment of the respective cancer Another task of this invention is to find new inhibitors of interleukin 10 (IL-10) for modulating the immune system and appropriate methods of their synthesis as well as their use of those inhibitors for the preperation of pharmaceutical compositions preferred in cancer therapy and immunomodulation. The medtranism of antisense oligonucleotides seems to work by immunomodulating effects as well as by direct effects, which could be proofed in experimental studies. This is superior to state of the art inhibition of TGF-beta

by e.g. antibodies, since we could show, that cell migration is more effectively inhibited by TGFbeta antisense oligonucleotides than it was possible with TGF-beta antibodies.
The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention have less side effects, show more efficacy, ferave more bioavailability, show more safety and/or improved chemical stability.
We surprisingly discovered, that antisense oligonucleotides that inhibit the formation of TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta 2, TGF-beta 3, cell-cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), integrins, selectines, metalloproteases (MMPs), their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) and/or interleukin 10 specific antisense oligonucleotides inhibit the formation of mdtastases in tumor cell lines and in tumors.
We further found that antisense oligonucleotides of TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta 3 interleukin 10 Sntiibit the tumor proliferation of solid tumors such as bladder carcinoma, eaten cancer, endometrial cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer as well as of malignant myeloproliferative diseases such as leukaemia and lymphoma. Further indications for TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta3 and interleukin 10 antisense oligonucleotides are renal cancer, osteosarcoma, mesothelioma, myeloma multiple, esophageal cancer and/or soft tissue cancer.
The antisense criigonucleotide of TGF-beta2 inhibits the tumor proliferation as described above for antisense oligonucleotides of TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta3 and/or interleukin.
Another aspect of this invention are new superior antisense oligonucleotides inhibiting the formation of interleukin 10 (IL-10) and by this modulate the immune response.
Yet another aspect of this invention is the production of IL-10 antisense oligonucleotides..
A further aspect of this invention is the use of interleukin 10 antisense oligonucleotides for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition. Antisense oligonucleotides of interleukin 10 are also used for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of metastases and/or tumor growth and are used in the treatment of these illnesses.

Figure 1:
Figure 1 shows the inhibition of prostate cancer cell Line PC-3. The upper two Squares indicate the migration of the control group incubated only with Lipofectin. The two Squares below clearly show reduced migration of cells incubated with Lipofectin and the antisense oligonucleotide identified in the Sequence listing with Seq. Id. No. 14. The two Squares left hand show the starting conditions. The two Squares at the right hand show the migration after 24 hours, which was clearly inhibited. This indicates a reduced formation of metastases.
Rgure 2:
PTO with Seq. Id. No. 14 inhibits TGF-betal secretion of HCT-116 CRC cells according to example 8. TGF-betal concentration in the supernatant of untreated cells (open bar) is set to 100%. TGF-betal concentration in supernatants of Lipofectin-treated cells (checkered bar) and PTO with Seq. Id. No. 14/Lipofectin-treated cells (diagonal striped bar) are demonstrated in % of the untreated control. Indicated are means and SD of three independent experiments.
Figure 3:
PTO with Seq. Id. No. 14 inhibits proliferation of HCT-116 CRC cells according to example 8. Data of a tetrazolium-based proliferation assay (EZ4U assay) from untreated cells (open bar) are set to 100%. Data of Lipofectin-treated cells (checkered bar) and PTO with Seq. Id. No. 14/Lipofectin-treated cells (diagonal striped bar) are demonstrated in % of the untreated control. Indicated are means and SD of two independent experiments.
Figure 4:
PTO with Seq. Id. No. 14 inhibits migration of HCT-116 CRC spheroids according
to example 8. Areas of untreated spheroids (open cycles) at 0, 24, 48 h are
represented in um2. Areas of Lipofectin-treated spheroids are demonstrated as
open triangles. Areas of PTO with Seq. Id. No. 14/Lipofectin-treated spheroids
are demonstrated as closed squares. Indicated are means ± SD of at least
duplicates.
Figure 5:
PTO with Seq. Id. No. 14 enhances cell-mediated cytotoxicity of PBMC cultured in HCT-116 CRC cell supernatant according to example 18. Cell-mediated cytotoxicity on K562 target cells of PBMC cultured in supernatants of untreated HCT-116 cells (open bars) is determined by CARE-LASS assay at indicated effector:target cell ratios (E:T). Respectively, cell-mediated cytotoxicity on K562 target cells of PBMC cultured in supernatants of Lipofectin-treated HCT-116 cells is demonstrated in checkered bars and cell-mediated cytotoxicity on K562 target cells of PBMC cultured in supernatants of PTO with Seq. Id. No. 14/Lipofectin-treated HCT-116 cells is demonstrated in diagonal striped bars. Indicated are median, maxima and minima of quadruplicates.
Figure 6:
PTO with Seq. Id. No. 14 inhibits TGF-betal secretion of Hep-G2 HCC cells according to example 9. TGF-betal concentration in the supernatant of untreated cells (open bar) is indicated in pg/ml. Respectively, TGF-betal concentration in supernatants of Lipofectin-treated cells is demonstrated as checkered bar and TGF-betal concentration in supernatants of PTO with Seq. Id. No. 14/Lipofectin-

treated cells is demonstrated as diagonal striped bar. Indicated are means and SD of triplicates.
Figure 7:
PTO with Seq. Id. No. 14 inhibits proliferation of Hep-G2 HCC cells according to example 9. Cell number of untreated cells determined by electronic cell counting is indicated as open bar. Respectively, cell number of Lipofectin-treated cells is demonstrated as checkered bar and cell number of PTO with Seq. Id. No. 14/Lipofectin-treated cefls is demonstrated as diagonal striped bar. Indicated are means and SD of triplicates.
Figure 8:
PTO with Seq. Id. No. 14 inhibits TGF-betal secretion of MES lOOa melanoma cells according to example 10. TGF-betal concentration in the supernatant of untreated cells (open bar) is indicated in pg/ml. Respectively, TGF-betal concentration in supematants of PTO with Seq. Id. No. 14-treated cells is demonstrated as diagonal striped bar. Indicated are means and SD of triplicates.
Figure 9:
PTO with Seq. Id. No. 14 inhibits proliferation of MER-116 melanoma cells according to example 10. Cell number of untreated cells determined by electronic cell counting is indicated as open bar. Respectively, cell number of Lipofectin-treated cells is demonstrated as checkered bar and cell number of PTO with Seq. Id. No. 14/Lipofectin-treated cells is demonstrated as diagonal striped bar. Indicated are means and SD of triplicates.
Rgure 10:
PTO with Seq. Id. No. 14 inhibits TGF-betal secretion of A-549, SW-900, and NCI-H661 NSCLC cells according to example 11. TGF-betal concentration in the supematants of untreated cells (open bars) are set to 100%. TGF-betal concentration in supematants of Lipofectin-treated cells (checkered bars) and PTO with Seq. Id. No. 14/Lipofectin-treated cells (diagonal striped bars) are demonstrated in % of the untreated control. Indicated are means and SD of three independent experiments for each cell line.
Rgure 11:
PTO with Seq. Id. No. 14 inhibits proliferation of A-549, SW-900, and NCI-H661 NSCLC cells according to example 11. Data of a tetrazolium-based proliferation assay (EZ4U assay) from untreated cells (open bar) are set to 100%. Data of Lipofectin-treated cells (checkered bar) and PTO with Seq. Id. No. 14/Lipofectin-treated cells (diagonal striped bar) are demonstrated in % of the untreated control. Indicated are means and SD of at least two independent experiments for each cell line.
Figure 12:
PTO with Seq. Id. No. 14 inhibits migration of SW-900 NSCLC cells according to example 11. Migration of untreated cells (open cycles) determined by scratch assay at 0, 17, 24, 48, and 65 h are represented in pm. Respectively, migration of Lipofectin-treated celte are demonstrated as open triangles and migration of PTO with Seq. Id. No. 14/Lipofectin-treated cells are demonstrated as closed squares (200 nM) or closed diamonds (400 nM). Indicated are means ± SD of three independent experiments.

Figure 13:
PTO with Seq. Id. No. 14 enhances cell-mediated cytotoxicity of PBMC cultured in A-549 NSCLC cell supernatant according to example 18. Cell-mediated cytotoxicity on NCI-H661 target cells of PBMC cultured in supernatants of untreated A-549 cells (open bars) is determined by CARE-LASS assay at indicated effectontarget cell ratios (E:T). Respectively, cell-mediated cytotoxicity on NCI-H661 target cells of PBMC cultured in supernatants of Lipofectin-treated A-549 cells is demonstrated in checkered bars and cell-mediated cytotoxicity on NCI-H661 target cells of PBFC cultured in supernatants of PTO with Seq. Id. No. 14/Lipofectin-treated A-549 cells is demonstrated in diagonal striped bars. Indicated are median, maxima and minima of quadruplicates.
Figure 14:
PTO with Seq. Id. No. 14 inhibits TGF-betal secretion of Colo 704 ovarian cancer cells according to example 12. TGF-betal concentration in the supernatant of untreated cells (open bar) is indicated in pg/ml. Respectively, TGF-betal concentration in supernatants of Lipofectin-treated cells is demonstrated as checkered bar and TGF-betat concentration in supernatants of PTO with Seq. Id. No. 14/Lipofectin-treated cells is demonstrated as diagonal striped bar. Indicated are means and SD of duplicates.
Rgure 15:
PTO with Seq. Id. No. 14 inhibits proliferation of Colo 704 ovarian cancer cells according to example 12. CeH number of untreated cells determined by counting in a Fuchs-Rosenthal hemacytometer is indicated as open bar. Respectively, cell number of Lipofectin-treated cells is demonstrated as checkered bar and cell number of PTO with Seq. Id. No. 14/Upofectin-treated cells is demonstrated as diagonal striped bar. Indicated are data of single countings.
Figure 16:
PTO with Seq. Id. No. 14 inhibits TGF-betal secretion of DanG pancreatic cancer cells according to example 13. TGF-betal concentration in the supernatant of untreated cells (open bar) is indicated in pg/ml. Respectively, TGF-betal concentration in supernatants of Lipofectin-treated cells is demonstrated as checkered bar and TGF-betal concentration in supernatants of PTO with Seq. Id. No. 14/Lipofectin-treated ceils is demonstrated as diagonal striped bar. Indicated are means and SD of triplicates.
Figure 17:
PTO with Seq. Id. No. 14 inhibits proliferation of DanG pancreatic cancer cells according to example 13. Cell number of untreated cells determined by electronic cell counting is indicated as open bar. Respectively, cell number of Lipofectin-treated cells is demonstrated as checkered bar and cell number of PTO with Seq. Id. No. 14/Lipofectin-treated cells is demonstrated as diagonal striped bar. Indicated are means and SD of triplicates.
Figure 18:
PTO with Seq. Id. No. 14 inhibits TGF-betal secretion of PC-3 and DU-145 prostate cancer cells according to example 14. TGF-betal concentration in the supernatants of untreated cells (open bars) are set to 100%. TGF-betal concentration in supernatants of Lipofectin-treated cells (checkered bars) and PTO with Seq, Id. No. 14/Upofectin-treated cells (diagonal striped bars) are

tononstrated in % of the untreated control. Indicated are means and SD of ttrree independent experiments for each cell line.
Figure 19:
PUO with Seq. Id. No. 14 inhibits proliferation of PC-3 and DU-145 prostate cancer cells according to example 14. Data of a tetrazolium-based proliferation asay (EZ4U assay) from untreated cells (open bar) are set to 100%. Data of upofectin-treated cells (checkered bar) and PTO with Seq. Id. No. 14/Lipofectin-ftreated cells (diagonal striped bar) are demonstrated in % of the untreated tHHitrol. Indicated are means and SD of at least two independent experiments for each cell line.
FSgure 20:
PTO with Seq. Id. No. 14 inhibits migration of PC-3 prostate cancer cells according to example 14. Migration of untreated cells (open cycles) determined bjf scratch assay at 0, 6, 17, and 24 h are represented in um. Respectively, migration of Lipofectin-treated cells are demonstrated as open triangles and migration of PTO with Seq. Id. No. 14/Upofectin-treated cells are demonstrated as closed squares. Indicated are means of three independent experiments.
Figure 21:
FIFO with Seq. Id. No. 14 enhances cell-mediated cytotoxicity of PBMC cultured in PC-3 prostate cancer cell supernatant according to example 18. Cell-mediated cjftotoxicity on K562 target cells of PBMC cultured in supernatants of untreated PC-3 cells (open bars) is determined by CARE-LASS assay at indicated eflfiector: target cell ratios (E:T). Respectively, cell-mediated cytotoxicity on K562 target cells of PBMC cultured in supernatants of Lipofectin-treated PC-3 cells is demonstrated in checkered bars and cell-mediated cytotoxicity on K562 target orils of PBMC cultured in supernatants of PTO with Seq. Id. No. 14/Lipofectin-tieated PC-3 cells is demonstrated in diagonal striped bars. Indicated are median, maxima and minima of quadruplicates.
Figure 22:
PBO with Seq. Id. No. 14 inhibits TGF-betal secretion of Caki-1 renal cancer cells according to example 15. TGF-betal concentration in the supernatant of untreated cells (open bar) is indicated in pg/ml. Respectively, TGF-betal concentration in supernatants of Lipofectin-treated cells is demonstrated as dheckered bar and TGF-betal concentration in supernatants of PTO with Seq. Id. Mb. 14/Lipofectin-treated cells is demonstrated as diagonal striped bar. Indicated are means and SD of triplicates.
Figure 23:
PTO with Seq. Id. No. 14 inhibits proliferation of Caki-1 renal cancer cells according to example 15. Cell number of untreated cells determined by electronic cell counting is indicated as open bar. Respectively, cell number of Lipofectin-treated cells is demonstrated as checkered bar and cell number of PTO with Seq. M No. 14/Lipofectin-treated cells is demonstrated as diagonal striped bar. Indicated are means and SD of triplicates.
Figure 24:
PIO with Seq. Id. No. 30 inhibits proliferation of HCT-116 CRC cells according to wample 8. Cell number of untreated cells determined by electronic cell counting is indicated as open bar. Respectively, cell number of Lipofectin-treated cells is

demonstrated as checkered bar and cefl number of PTO with Seq. Id. No. 30/ypofectin-treated cells is demonstrated as diagonal striped bar. Indicated are means and SD of triplicates.
Figure 25:
PTO with Seq. Id. No. 30 inhibits TGF-beta2 secretion of RPMI-7951 melanoma cells asrording to example 10. TGF-beta2 concentration in the supernatant of untrerted cells (open bar) is set to 100%. TGF-beta2 concentration in supersiatants of Lipofectin-treated cells (checkered bar) and PTO with Seq. Id. No. ayuoofectin-treated cells (diagonal striped bar) are demonstrated in % of the untreated control. Indicated are means and SD of four independent exparSnents.
Figure 26:
PTO with Seq. Id. No. 30 inhibits proliferation of RPMI-7951 melanoma cells according to example 10. Cell number of untreated cells (open bar) determined by etertronic cell counting is set to 100%. Cell number of Lipofectin-treated cells (chectered bar) and PTO with Seq. Id. No. 30/Lipofectin-treated cells (diagonal stripert bar) are demonstrated in % of the untreated control. Indicated are meamsand SD of four independent experiments.
Figure 27:
PTO with Seq. Id. No. 30 inhibits TGF-beta2 secretion of EFO-21 ovarian cancer cells according to example 12. TGF-beta2 concentration in the supernatant of untreated cells (open bar) is set to 100%. TGF-beta2 concentration in supermatants of Lipofectin-treated cells (checkered bar) and PTO with Seq. Id. No. 38/Lipofectin-treated cells (diagonal striped bar) are demonstrated in % of the untreated control. Indicated are means and SD of three independent experiments.
Figure 28:
PTO with Seq. Id. No. 30 inhibits proliferation of EFO-21 ovarian cancer cells according to example 12. Cell number of untreated cells (open bar) determined by dtectronic cell counting is set to 100%. Cell number of Lipofectin-treated cells (chattered bar) and PTO with Seq. Id. No. 30/Lipofectin-treated cells (diagonal striped bar) are demonstrated in % of the untreated control. Indicated are means and SD of three independent experiments.
Figure 29:
PTO with Seq. Id. No. 30 inhibits TGF-beta2 secretion of Hup-T3, Hup-T4, and PA-TU-8902 pancreatic cancer cells according to example 13. TGF-beta2 concentration in the supernatants of untreated cells (open bars) are set to 100%. TGF-beta2 concentration in supernatants of Lipofectin-treated cells (checkered bars) and PTO with Seq. Id. No. 30/Lipofectin-treated cells (diagonal striped bars) are demonstrated in % of the untreated control. Indicated are means and SD of three independent experiments for each cell line.
Figure 30:
PTO with Seq. Id. No. 30 inhibits proliferation of Hup-T3, Hup-T4, and PA-TU-8902 pancreatic cancer cells according to example 13. Data of a tetrazoltum-basat: proliferation assay (EZ4U assay) or electronic cell counting from untreated eel Is (open bar) are set to 100%. Data of Lipofectin-treated cells (checkered bar) and PTO with Seq. Id. No. 30/Lipofectin-treated cells (diagonal striped bar) are

demonstrated in % of the untreated control. Indicated are means and SD of three independent experiments for each cell line.
Figure 31:
PTO with Seq. Id. No. 30 inhibits migration of PA-TU-8902 pancreatic cancer spheroids according to example 13. Diameter of untreated spheroids (open cycles) atC, 17, 24, 41, and 65 h are represented in urn. Diameter of PTO with Seq. Id. fte. 30-treated spheroids are demonstrated as closed squares. Diameter of rh TGF-teta2-treated spheroids are demonstrated as open squares. Diameter of anti TGFbeta2 antibody-treated spheroids are demonstrated as open triangles. Indicated are median, maxima and minima of at least quadruplicates.
Figure 32:
PTO with Seq. Id. No. 30 enhances cell-mediated cytotoxicity of PBMC cultured in PA-TU-89Q2 pancreatic cancer cell supernatant according to example 18. Cell-mediated cytotoxicity on Hup-T3 target cells of PBMC cultured in supernatants of untreated PA-TU-8902 cells (open bars) is determined by CARE-LASS assay at indicated dfector: target cell ratios (E:T). Respectively, cell-mediated cytotoxicity on Hup-T3 target cells of PBMC cultured in supernatants of Lipofectin-treated PA-TU-8902 cells is demonstrated in checkered bars and cell-mediated cytotoxicity on Hup-73 target cells of PBMC cultured in supernatants of PTO with Seq. Id. No. 30/LJpofec±jn-treated PA-TU-8902 cells is demonstrated in diagonal striped bars. Indicated are median, maxima and minima of quadruplicates.
Figure 33:
PTO with Seq. Id. No. 30 inhibits TGF-beta2 secretion of PC-3 and DU-145 prostate cancer cells according to example 14. TGF-beta2 concentration in the supernatants of untreated cells (open bar) are indicated in pg/ml. Respectively, TGF-betal concentrations in supernatants of Lipofectin-treated cells are demonstrated as checkered bar and TGF-beta2 concentrations in supernatants of PTO with Seq. Id. No. 30/Lipofectin-treated cells are demonstrated as diagonal striped bar. Indicated are means and SD of triplicates.
Figure 34:
PTO with Seq. Id. No. 30 inhibits proliferation of PC-3 and DU-145 prostate cancer cells according to example 14. Cell numbers of untreated cells determined by electronic cell counting are indicated as open bar. Respectively, cell numbers of LipofecBin-treated celts are demonstrated as checkered bar and cell numbers of PTO with Seq. Id. No. 14/Lipofectin-treated cells are demonstrated as diagonal striped bar. Indicated are means and SD of triplicates.
In one embodiment the oligonucleotides or active derivatives of this invention are antisense oligonucleotides inhibiting the formation of metastases. These oiigonucteotides are used for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions. These pharmaceutical compositions are used for the treatment of metastases.
Metastases in the context of this invention means that at least one cell separates or dissociates from a tumor tissue and is moving by e.g. the lymphatic system
and/or the blood vessels to another part of the body of a human or an animal, where it settles down and forms new tumor tissue.
In another emrbodiment the oligonucleotides or their active derivatives are antisense oligonucleotides inhibiting the synthesis of proteins involved in the formation of nwtastases.
In a further orrbodiment the proteins inhibited in their synthesis are selected from the group of e.g. tumor growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1), TGF-beta 2, TGF-beta 3, cell- cell adhesion molecules (CAM), intergrins, selectines, metalloproteasES (MMP), their tissue inhibitors (TIMPS) and/or interleukin 10.
In the context of this invention tumor growth factor is used as a synonym to transforming growth factor. The term TGF-beta comprises in particular TGF-betal, TGF-beBa2 and/or TGF-beta3.
One embodiment of the invention is the use of at least one oligonucleotide or its active derivatives of TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta 2, TGF-beta 3 cell-cell adhesion molecules (OHMS), integrins, selectines, metalloproteases (MMPs), their tissue inhibitors (TIMFs) and/or interleukin 10 and/or their active derivatives for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting the formation of metastases in cancer treatment.
Cell-cell adhesion molecules (CAM) comprise molecules such as intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (ELAM-1).
Metalloproteases comprise at least 15 structurally related members also numbered for being identified (MMP-1, MMP-2, etc.) with a broad proteolytic activities against components of the extracellular matrix. Metalloproteases comprise, but are not limited to collagenases, gelatinases, stromelysins and metalloelastases.
Active derivatives of this invention are modifications of the oligonucleotides as described below.
In a preferred embodiment the at least one antisense oligonucleotide or its active derivative for tthe preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting the formation of metastases are sequences identified in the sequence listing under
SEQ ID NO 1 to 68, even more preferred are sequences identified in the sequence listing under SEQ ID NO 1, 5, 6, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 28, 29, 30, 34, 35, 36, 40 and 42. Further embodiments of these antisense oligonucleotides for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting the formation of metastases are giwen in the examples 19 to 24. These oligonucleotides have improved affinity 10 the target molecule. Further advances of these molecules are less side effects, more efficacy, higher bioavailability, more safety and/or improved chemical stability compared to those oligonucleotides described in the state of the art.
In yet another embodiment of this invention the oligonucleotide or its active
derivatives are useful in the inhibition of metastases in cancers such as bile duct
carcinoma, bladder carcinoma, brain tumor, breast cancer, bronchogenic
carcinoma, carcinoma of the kidney, cervical cancer, choriocarcinoma,
cystadenocarcinome, cervical carcinoma, colon carcinoma, colorectal carcinoma,
embrional carcinoma, endometrial cancer, epithelial carcinoma, esophageal
cancer, gallbladder cancer, gastric cancer, head and neck cancer, hepatocellular
cancer, liver carcinoma, lung carcinoma, medullary carcinoma, non-small-cell
bronchogenic/lung carcinoma, ovarian cancer, pancreas carcinoma, papillary
carcinoma, papillary adenocarcinoma, prostate cancer, small intestine carcinoma,
rectal cancer, renal cell carcinoma, sebaceous gland carcinoma, skin cancer,
small-cell bronchogenic/lung carcinoma, soft tissue cancer, squamous cell
carcinoma, testicular carcinoma, uterine cancer, acoustic neuromas,
neurofibromas, trachomas, and pyogenic granulomas; pre-malignant tumors,
blastema, Ewing's tumor, craniopharyngloma, ependymoma, medulloblastoma,
hemanglioblastoma, medullablastoma, melanoma, mesothelioma,
neuroblastoma, neurofibroma, pinealoma, retinoblastoma, retinoblastoma,
sarcoma (including angiosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, endothelialsarcoma,
fibrosarcoma, gliosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, liposarcoma,
lymphangioandotheliosarcoma, lyphangiosarcoma, melanoma, meningioma, myosarcoma, osteogenic sarcoma, osteosarcoma), seminoma, trachomas, Wilm's tumor.
In a more preferred embodiment the oligonucleotide or its active derivatives are useful in the inhibition of metastases in cancers such as bladder carcinoma, colon cancer, endometrial cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, melanoma, non-small cell
lung cancer (NSCLC), ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, soft tissue cancer. Useful in the context of this invention means that they are used for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions and/or are used for the treatment of the respective cancer, carcinoma and/or metastases.
In the context of this invention the use of cancer is synonymous with carcinoma.
Furthermore, it is understood that all combinations of indications and TGF-beta are herein disclosed.
In other preferred embodiments of this invention the oligonucleotide or its active derivatives are used for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions and/or are used for the treatment of renal cancer, leukaemia, lymphoma, osteosarcoma, mesothelioma, esophageal cancer and/or myeloma multiple.
In one embodiment of the invention oligonucleotides or its active derivatives are used for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of bladder carcinoma, colon cancer, endometrial cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, leukaemia, lymphoma, melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer. In other embodiments the oligonucleotides of this invention and/or their active derivatives are also used for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of renal cancer, osteosarcoma, mesothelioma, myeloma multiple, esophageal cancer and/or soft tissue cancer.
In further embodiments the oligonucleotides of this invention and/or their active derivatives are used for the treatment and/or the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of cancers such as bile duct carcinoma, bladder carcinoma, brain tumor,, breast cancer, bronchogenic carcinoma, carcinoma of the kidney, cervical cancer, choriocarcinoma, cystadenocarcinome, cervical carcinoma, colon carcinoma, colorectal carcinoma, embrional carcinoma, endometrial cancer, epithelial carcinoma, esophageal cancer, gallbladder cancer, gastric cancer, head and neck cancer, hepatocellular cancer, liver carcinoma, lung carcinoma, medullary carcinoma, non-small-cell bronchogenic/lung carcinoma, ovarian cancer, pancreas carcinoma, papillary carcinoma, papillary adenocarcinoma, prostate cancer, small intestine carcinoma, rectal cancer, renal cell carcinoma, sebaceous gland carcinoma, skin cancer, small-cell bronchogenic/lung carcinoma, soft tissue cancer, squamous cell carcinoma,
testicular carcinoma, uterime cancer, acoustic neuromas, neurofibromas,
trachomas, and pyogenic granrulomas; pre-malignant tumors, blastoma, Ewing' s
tumor, craniopharyngloma, ependymoma, medulloblastoma, hemanglioblastoma,
medullablastoma, melanorrw, mesotheltoma, neuroblastoma, neurofibroma,
pinealoma, retinoblastoma, iretinoblastoma, sarcoma (including angiosarcoma,
chondrosarcoma, endotihelialsarcoma, fibrosarcoma, gliosarcoma,
leiomyosarcoma, liposarcoma^ lymphangioandotheliosarcoma, lyphangiosarcoma, melanoma, meningioma, myiosarcoma, osteogenic sarcoma, osteosarcoma), seminoma, trachomas and/or Wilm's tumor.
These oligonucleotides respectively their active derivatives are described in more detail later in this text.
In yet another embodiment the oligonucleotide or its active derivative for the preparation of a pharmaceuWcal composition for the treatment of the cancers as described above is an anfeense oligonucleotide inhibiting the production of tumor growth factor beta 1 respectively transforming growth factor (TGF-beta 1), TGF-beta 3 and/or interleutom 10.
In another embodiment the oligonucleotide or its active derivative for the treatment of cancers as described above and/or the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of the cancers as described above is an antisense olgionculeotidte inhibiting the production of transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGF-beta2).
In a more preferred embodiment the oligonucleotides or its active derivative for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of the cancers as described above are antisense oligonucleotides as identified in the sequence listing under SEQ ID NO. 1 to 21 or 49 to 68., 22 to 48 or 69 to 107. Even more preferred are sequences identified in the sequence listing und SEQ ID No. 1,5,6,8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 34, 35, 36 and 37. These sequences have especially high affinity
These sequences have especially high affinity to the m-RNA of the respective gene have less side
effects, show more efficacy, have
cancers selected from the group of coJon cancer, prostate cancer, melanoma, bladder cancer, endbmetnal cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreas cancer and/or mesothelioma. Though some of these tumors are accompanied with high levels of TGF-betal surprisingly the inhibition of TGF-beta 2 reAices tumor cell proliferation significantly, which is an important factor for the treatment of these careers.
TQF-beta2 (transforming growth factor 2) antagonists in the context of this invention comprises any compound that inhibit the function TGF-beta2, which means that any effect that is induced by TGF-beta is inhibited.
IB preferred embodiments TGF-beta 2 antagonists are substances inhibiting the production of TGF-baa2, are substances binding TGF-beta2 and/or are substances inhibiting the function of TGF-beta2 downstream its activating cascade. For moie details about TGF-beta antagonists see Wojtowicz-Praga, Iiwestigational New Drugs 21: 21-32, 2003.
hmbitor comprise but are not limited to TGF-beta2 binding proteins, TGF-beta receptor related inhibitors, Smad inhibitors, TGF-beta2 binding peptides (latency-associated peptide), anti-TGF-beta2 aritibodies, regulators of TGF-beta expression.
Esamples for TGF-beta2 binding proteins are fetuin, decorin, a small chondroitin-dermatan sulfate pwteoglycan, and the proteoglycanes biglycan and fibromodulin. TGF-beta receptor inhibitor is e.g. haaglycan (extracellular region of TGF-beta type III receptor).
Am example for a regulator of the TGF-beta expression is tranilast (N-[3,4-dimethoxycinnamoyl]-ajriftranilic acid) or TGF-beta2 antisense plasmid vectors or TGF-beta2 antisense oligonucleotides. In a farther preferred embodiment TGF-beta2 antisense oligonucleotides are selected from the sequences described with SEQ ID NO 22 to 48, more preferred with SEQ ID NO25,26, 28,29 30, 34 35, 36, 37.
Yet another aspect of this invention are new IL-10 antisense-oligonucleotides and their active denivatives identified in the sequence listing under Seq. ID. NO 49 to 68. These oligonucleotides have wnry high affinity to m-RNA of IL-10 and by this effectively inhibit the synthesis of IL-10.
In one embodiment the process of manufacturing the antisense oligonucleotide of IL-10 or its active derivative comprises adding consecutive nucleosides and linker stepwise or by cutting the oligonucleotide out of longer oligonucleotide chain.
Yet another aspect of this invention is a pharmaceutical composition comprising aw IL-10 antisense oligonucleotide or ist active derivative identified in the sequence listing under Seq. ID. No, 49 to 68.
A flutter embodiment of this invention is the use of the IL-10 antisense oligonucleotide or its active derivative identified in the sequence listing under Seq. ID. No. 49 to 68 for the preparation of a pharmaceutical compostion for the treatment of cancer and/or metastases.
One oligpmucleotide of this invention is used for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting the formation of metastases in cancer treatment, oligonucleotides of this invention are also used for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of bladder carcinoma, colon cancer, endometrial cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, leukaemia, lymphoma, melanoma, non-small oil lung cancer (NSCLC), ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer or soft tissue cancer ad new oligonucleotides inhibiting the synthesis of IL-10 are part of this invention as well.
The terai» oligonucleotide or nucleic acid refer to multiple nucleotides (i.e. molecules comprising a sugar (e& ribose or deoxyribose) linked to a phosphate group and to an variable organic base, which is either a substituted pynmidine (e.g. cytosine (C), thymine (T) or uracil (U)) or a substituted purine (e.g. adbnine (A) or guanine (G)) or a modification thereof. As used herein, the terms refer to oligoribsnucleotides as well as oligodeoxyribonucleotides. The terms shall also include oligonudfeosides (i.e. a oligonucleotide without the phosphate) and any other organic base containing polymer.
Whereas the oligonucleotides of this invention are single stranded, in some embodiments at least parts of the angle-stranded nucleic acid is double-stranded. Double-stranded molecules may be more stable in vivo, while single-stranded molecules may have increased activity.
In one embodiment the antisense oligonucleotide is complementary to the whole m-RNA of the gene or any smaller part of the protein which shall be inhibited can be selected, e.g. TGF-beta 1 TGF-beta 2, TGF-fteta 3, cell-cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), integrins, selectines, metalloproteases (MMPs), their tiaue inhibitors (TIMPs) and/or interleukin 10. In more preferred embodiments the antisense oligonncSeotides of this invention have length between about 6 and about 300 nucleotides in yet another embodiment the nucleotides have length of about 7 to about 100 nucleotides respectively from about 8 to about 30 nucleotides, even more preferred from 12 to 24 nucleotides.
Sequences of the respective genes are known to someone skilled in the art, additionally some of them are presented in Example 14.
In stilt other embodiments, the nucleic acids are not antisense nucleic acids, meaning that they do not function by binding to complementary genomic DNA or RNA species within a cell and thereby inhibiting the function of said genomic DNA or RNA species.As used herein with respect to linked units of a nucleic acid, "linked" or "linkage" means two entities are bound to one another by any physicochemical means. Any linkage known to those of ordinary skill in the art, covalent or non-covalent, is embraced. Natural linkages, which are those ordinarily found in nature connecting the individual units of a nucleic acid, are most common. The individual units of a nucleic acid may be linked, however, by synthetic or modified linkages.
In one embodiment of this invention at least one phosphate linker of the oligonucleotede is substituted by a peptide. These derivatives of the oligonucleottde is also called a peptide nucleic acid.
In one embodiment the respective ends of this linear polymeric structure can be further joined to form a circular structure. However, open linear structures are generally preferred. Within the oligonucleotides structure, the phosphate groups are commonly referred to as forming the internucleoside backbone of the oligonuclectide. The normal linkage or backbone of RNA and DNA is a 3'to 5' phophodfester linkage.
Oligonucleotides or nucleic acids includes oligonucleotides having non-naturally-occurring portions with similar function. Such modified or substituted oligonucleoliides are often preferred over native forms because of desirable properties such as, for example, enhanced cellular uptake, enhanced affinity for nucleic acid target (e.g. protein), altered intracellular localization and increased stability in the presence of nucleases. Modifications of the oligonucleotides as used herein comprises any chemical modifications of the sugar, the base moiety and/or the internucleoside linkage.
In one embodiment nucleic acids or oligonucleotides with a covalently modified base and/or sugar include for example nucleic acids having backbone sugars which are onvalently attached to low molecular weight organic groups other than a hydroxyl group at the 3' and/or 2' position and other than a phosphate group at the 5' position. Thus modified nucleic acids may include a 2'-O-alkylated ribose group. In yet another embodiment modified nucleic acids include sugars

such as arabwiose instead of ribose. Thus the nucleic acids may be heterogeneous in backbone composition thereby containing any possible combination of polymer units linked together such as peptide-nucleic acids (which have acnino acid backbone with nucleic acid bases). In some embodiments the nucleic acids are homogeneous in backbone composition.
The substituted purines and pyrimidines of the nucleic acids include standard purines and pyrimnidines such as cytosine as well as base analogs such as C-S propyne substituted bases (Wagner et al., Nature Biotechnology 14:840-844, 1996). Purines and pyrimidines include but are not limited to adenine, cytosine, guanine, thymine, 5-methylcytosine, 2-aminopurine, 2-amino-6-chloropurine, 2,6-diaminopuriine, hypoxanthine, and other naturally and non-naturally occurring nucleobases, substituted and unsubstituted aromatic moieties.
The single nudeotides in each oligonucleotide or polynucleotide polymer may contain the same modifications, may contain combinations of these modifications, or may combine these modifications with phosphodiester linkages. Methods of rendering oligonucleotide or polynucleotide polymers nuclease resistant include, but are not limited to, covalently modifying the purine or pyrimidine bases. For example, bases may be methylated, hydroxymethylated, or otherwise substituted (e.g., glycosylated) such that the oligonucleotides or polynucleotides are rendered substantially acid and nuclease resistant.
It is understood to someone skilled in the art, that antisense oligonucleotides in which some nudeotides of the sequence are substituted by another nucleotide or even other spacers, the derivatives of the antisense oligonucleotides of this invention still inhibit the synthesis of proteins such as TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta 2, TGF-beta 3, cell-cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), integrins, selectines, metalloproteases (MMPs), their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) and/or interleukin 10 etc. In a preferred embodiment about 0,1% to about 50% of the nudeotides are substituted or from about 0,1% to about 10% or from about 0,1% to about 5%.
A spacer as mentioned above can be any chemic substance connecting the at least two parts of the antisense oligonucleotide substituting the space of at least one nudeic acid.
In yet another embodiment at least one T (Thymidine) is substituted by an U (Uracil).
In a preferred embodfenent the spacer is another nucleotide or is a sugar such as glucose, ribose etc., an amino acid or one or several units of a polymer such as polypropylene.
In a preferred embedment, at teast one end-block on the oligonucleotide is a biotin, biotin analog, avidin, or avidin analog. These molecules have the ability to both block the degradation of the protected oligonucleotide or potynucleotide and provide means for high affinity attachment of the modified nucleic acids to the solid support. Avidin and biotin derivatives which can be used to prepare the reagents of this invention include streptavidin, succinylated avidin, monomeric avidin, biocytin (biotin-.epsilon.-N-lysine), biocytin hydrazide, amine or sulfhydryl derivatives of 2-tminobiotin and biotinyl-epsilon-aminocaproic acid hydrazide. Additional biotin derivatives, such as biotin-N-hydroxysuccinimide ester, biotinyl-epsHon-aminocaproic acid-N-hydroxysuccinimide ester, sulfosuccinimidyl 6-{tootin amido)hexanoate, N-hydroxysucctnimideiminobiotin, biotinbromoacetylhydrazide, p-diazobenzoyl biocytin and 3-{N-maleimidopropionyl)beocytin, can also be used as end-blocking groups on the polynucleotides of the present invention.
In another embodiment the ring structure of the ribose group of the nucleotides in the modified oligonucleotide or polynucleotide has an oxygen in the ring structure substituted with N-H, N-R (with R being an alkyl or aryl substituent), S and/or rnetbylene.
In a preferred embodiment at least one sugar moiety of the oligonucleotide is a morpholino derivative and the active derivative then is a morpholino oligonucleotide.
In another embodiment two carbones of at least one sugar moiety are linked. The linkage may be with a methoxy group or thereelse. This linker fixes the the sugar moiety in a way that it remains in one specific conformation, which enables e.g. higher selectivity and higher stability of this locked nucleic acids. Locked nucleic acids are described eg. In J. Wengel, Ace. Chem. Res., 120, 5458-5463 (1999) or J. Wengel et al., nucleosides & nucleotides, 18(6&7), S. 1365-1370, herein incorporated by reference.
In yet another embodiment the base units are maintained for hybridization with an appropriate nucleic acid target compound. One such oligomeric compound, an oligonucleotide mimetic that has been shown to have excellent hybridization properties, is referred to as a peptide nucleic acid (PNA). In PNA compounds, the sugar-backbone of an oligonucleotide is replaced with an amide containing backbone, in particular an aminoethylglycine backbone. The nucleobases are bound directly or indirectly to aza nitrogen atoms of the amide portion of the backbone. Representative United States patents that teach the preparation of PNA compounds include, but are not limited to, U.S. Pat. Nos.: 5,539,082; 5,714,331; and 5,719,262, each of which is herein incorporated by reference. Further teaching of PNA compounds can be found in Nielsen et al., Science, 1991, 254, 1497-1500.
Further modified oligonucleotide backbones include, for example,
phosphorothioates, chiral phosphorothioates, phosphorodithioates,
phosphotriesters, aminoalkylphosphotriesters, methyl and other alky
phosphonates including 3'-alkylene phosphonates and chiral phosphonates,
phosphinates, phosphoramidates including 3'-aminophosphoamidate and
aminoalkylphosphoramidates, thionophosphoramidates,
thionoalkylphosphonates, thionoalkylphosphotriesters, and boranophosphates having norm 3'-5'linkages, 2'-5'linked analogs of these, and those having inverted polarity wherein the adjacent pairs of nucleoside units are linked 3'-5'to 5'-3'or 2'-5'to 5'-2'. Various salts, mixed salts, and free acid forms are also included.
The nucleic acids having backbone modifications useful according to the
invention in some embodiments are S- or R-chiral antineoplastic nucleic acids. An
"S chiral nucleic acid" as used herein is an nucleic acid wherein at least two
nucleotides have a backbone modification forming a chiral center and wherein a
plurality of the chiral centers have S chirality. An "R chiral nucleic acid" as used
herein is an nucleic acid wherein at least two nucleotides have a backbone
modification forming a chiral center and wherein a plurality of the chiral centers
have R chirality. The backbone modification may be any type of modification that
forms a chiral center. The modifications include but are not limited to
phosphorothioate, methylphosphonate, methylphosphorothioate,
phosphorodithioate, p-ethoxy, 2'-0-Me and combinations thereof.
Another type of modified backbone, useful according to the invention, is a peptide nucleic acid. The backbone is composed of aminoethyiglycine and supports bases which provide the nucleic acid character. The backbone does not include any phosphate and thus may optionally have no net charge. The lack of charge allows for stronger BNA-DNA binding because the charge repulsion between the two strands does not exist. Additionally, because the backbone has an extra methylene group, the oligonucleotides are enzyme/protease resistant. Peptide nucleic acids can be purchased from various commercial sources, e.g., Perkin Elmer, or synthesized de novo.
In a further embodiment at teest one nucleotide of an oligonucleotide is modified as described in one of the modifications above.
In yet another embodiment both of these modifications of the oligonucleotide are combined.
In preferred embodiments the 1 to about 12 or 1 to about 8 or 1 to about 4 or 1 to about 2 oligonucleotides aired/or nucleotide linkages at the 3' and/or 5'end of the oligonucleotide are modified as described above.
In yet another embodiment the oligonucleotides of this invention hybridizing with the same target (e.g. TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta 2, TGF-beta 3, cell-cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), integrins, selectines, metalloproteases (MMPs), their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) and/or interleukin 10 ) comprising one of the oligonucleotides of the sequence listing but additionally have sequences with about 1 to about 20 nucleotides more preferred froml to 15, 1 to 10, 1 to 5, 1 to 3 or 1 to 2 nucleotides on at least one of the 2', 3' and/or 5'end are still within the scope of this invention.
In other words, any sequence of this invention can be choosen. E.g. a sequence is taken from the sequence listing or from the examples. These sequences are part of the antisense complementary to the m-RNA of the target molecule e.g. TGF-betal, TGF-beta2, TGF-beta3 or IL-10 as given in example 16. Nucleotides can be added at either end of these sequences following the sequence of the antisense complementary to the m-RNA of the target molecule to create new antisense oligonucleotides hybridising with the m-RNA. At any end of the oligonucleotide nucleotides with a length from about 1 to about 20 nucleotides,
more preferred from about one to about 25, further preferred from about 1 to about 10, from about 1 to about 5, from about 1 to about 3 nucleotides are adifed. As mentioned above it is understood to someone skilled in the art, that if some of the nucleotides are substituted or spacers are included instead of a nudeotide, this oligonucleotide derivative will still hybridize with the m-RNA of the target molecule.
Targets of oligonucleotides mentioned in this invention are known to persons skied in the art. In a preferred embodiment the targets are selected from the group of m-RNA of TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta 2 and/or TGF-beta 3, cell-cell adhesion motecules (CAMs), integrins, selectines, metalloproteases (MMPs), their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) and/or interieukin 10. The sequence of the m-RNA of TGF-beta-1, and TGF beta-2 is given in example 6. The sequences of antisense complementary to the m-RNA of TGF-betal, TGF-beta2, TGF-beta3 and IL-10 and! a splice variation of the antisense complementary to the TGF-beta are given in example 16.
Yet another task of this invention was to find a process of manufacturing the IL-10 antisense oligonucleotides of this invention or its active derivatives.
For the use in the instant invention, the nucleic acids can be synthesized de novo using any of a number of procedures well known in the art. Such compounds are referred to as 'synthetic nudeic acids.' For example, the b-cyanoethyl phosphoramidite method (Beaucage, S. L., and Caruthers, M. H., Tet. Let. 22::1859/ 1981); nucleoside H-phosphonate method (Garegg et al., Tet. Let. 27:4051-4054, 1986; Froehler et al., Nucl. Acid. Res. 14:5399-5407, 1986, Garegg et a!, Tet. Let. 27:4055-4058, 1986, Gaffney et al., Tet. Let. 29:2619-2622, 1988). These chemistries can be performed by a variety of automated oligonucleotide synthesizers available in the market.
In a preferred process the IL-10 antisense oligonucleotides of this invention are synthesized by using phosphite triester chemistry growing the nucleotide chain in 3'-5 'direction wherein the tespective nucleotide is coupled to the first nucleotide that is covalently attached to the solid phase comprising the steps of first cleaving 5'DMT protecting group of the previous nucleotide, then adding the respective nucleotide for chain prolongation, then modifying phosphite groups subsequently cap unrescted 5'-hydroxyl groups and cleaving the
oligonudteotides from the solid support and finally working up the synthesis product
In yet another embodiment nucleic acids are produced on a large scale in plasmkfc, (see, e.g., Sambrook, et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, New York, 1989) and separated into smaller pieces or administered as a whole.
In yet another embodiment nucleic acids are prepared from existing nucleic acid sequences (e.g., genomic or cDNA) using techniques known to someone skilled in the art, such as employing restriction enzymes, exonucleases or endonudeases. Nucleic acids prepared in this manner are isolated nucleic acids. The term nucleic acid encompasses both synthetic and isolated antineoplastic nucleic acids.
In anottier embodiment nucleic acids with modified backbone, such as those having phosphorothioates bonds are synthesized using automated techniques employing, for example, phosphoramidate or H-phosphonate chemistries. Aryl-and aftyl-phosphonates can be made, e.g., as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,469,863. Alkylphosphotriesters, in which the charged oxygen moiety is alkylated as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,023,243 and European Patent No. 092,574, can be prepared by automated solid phase synthesis using commercially available reagents.
Methods for making other nucleic acid backbone modifications and substitutions have been described (Uhlmann, E. and Peyman, A., Chem. Rev. 90:544, 1990; GoodchWd, J., Bioconjugate Chem. 1:165, 1990).
Descriptions for the synthesis of locked nucleic acids are known to someone skilled in the art, for further details see e.g. Wengel, J., Chem. Res., 120, S. 5458-5463 (1999) or Koch, T., J. Physics Condese Matter 15, S. 1861-1871 (2003).
In one embodiment phosphorothioates are synthesized using automated techniques employing either phosphoramidate or H-phosphonate chemistries. Aryl- and alkyl-phosphonates can be made, e.g., as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,469,863; and alkylphosphotriesters (in which the charged oxygen moiety is alkylated as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,023,243 and European Patent No.
092,574) can be prepared by automated solid phase synthesis using commercially available reagents. Methods for making other DNA backbone modifications and substitutions have been described (Uhlmann, E. and Peyman, A., Chem. Rew. 90:544, 1990; Goodchild, L, Bioconjugate Chem. 1:165, 1990).
Other sources of nucleic acids useful according to the invention include standard viral and bacterial vectors, many of which are commercially available. In its broadest sense, a "vector" is any nucleic acid material which is ordinarily used to deliver and facilitate the transfer of nucleic acids to cells. The vector as used herein may be an empty vector or a vector carrying a gene which can be expressed. 1st the case when the vector is carrying a gene the vector generally transports the gene to the target cells with reduced degradation relative to the extent of degradation that would result in the absence of the vector. In this case the vector optionally includes gene expression sequences to enhance expression of the gene m target cells such as immune cells, but it is not required that the gene be expressed in the cell.
The oligoraadeotides and oligonucleotide analogs within this invention is synonymous with active derivatives of this invention can be used in diagnostics, therapeutics and as research reagents and kits. For therapeutic use, the oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog is administered to an animal, especially a human, such as are suffering from an illness, more preferred suffering from a tumor and/or metastases.
In a preferred embodiment the IL-10 antisense oligonucleotide are used for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of cancer and/or inhibiting the formation of metastases.
In a preferred embodiment the TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta 2, TGF-beta 3, cell-cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), integrins, selectines, metalloproteases (MMPs), their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) and/or interleukin 10 antisense oligonucleotides are particular objects of the present invention. Thus, presenting oligonucleotides and their active derivatives in accordance with the present invention in pharmaceutiically acceptable carriers is highly useful. This is especially true for treatment off diseases such as unwanted cancers and metastasis.
In one embodiment the oligonucleotides and/or its active derivative is useful in the treatment of unwanted cancers or carcinomas such as but not limited to bile
duct carcinoma, bladder carcinoma, brain tumor, breast cancer, bronchogenic carcinoma, carcinoma of the kidney, cervical cancer, choriocarcinoma, cystadenocarcinome, embrional carcinoma, epithelial carcinoma, esophageal cancer, cervical carcinoma, colon carcinoma, colorectal carcinoma, endometrial cancer, gallbladder cancer, gastric cancer, head cancer, liver carcinoma, lung carcinoma, medullary carcinoma, neck cancer, non-small-cell bronchogenic/lung carcinoma, ovarian cancer, pancreas carcinoma, papillary carcinoma, papillary adenocarcinoma, prostata cancer, small intestine carcinoma, prostate carcinoma, rectal cancer, renal cell carcinoma, skin cancer, small-cell bronchogenic/lung carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, sebaceous gland carcinoma, testicular carcinoma, uterine cancer.
Acoustic neuromas, neurofibromas, trachomas, and pyogenic granulomas; pre-
malignant tumors, astracytoma, blastoma, Ewing's tumor, craniopharyngloma,
ependymoma, medulloblastoma, glioma, hemangloblastoma, Hodgkins-
lymphoma, medullablastoma, leukaemia, mesothelioma, neuroblastoma,
neurofibroma, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, pinealoma, retinoblastoma,
retinoblastoma, sarcoma (including angiosarcoma, chondrosarcoma,
endothelialsarcoma, fibrosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, liposarcoma,
lymphangioandotheliosarcoma, lyphangiosarcoma, melanoma, meningioma, myosarcoma, olkjodendroglioma, osteogenic sarcoma, osteosarcoma), seminoma, trachomas, Wilm 's tumor.
In one embodiment the oligonucleotides of this invention are administered in aqueous isotonic water solutions is appropriate for intravenous application as well as intratumoral administration. Further pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention comprise oligonucleotides with one or more non-toxic, pharmaceutical acceptable carrier, excipients and/or adjuvants (collectively referred to herein as "carrier material"). The carrier materials are acceptable in the sense of being compatible with the other ingredients of the composition and are not deleterious to the recipient. The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention can be adapted for administration by any suitable route by selection of appropriate carrier materials and a dosage of oligonucleotides effective for the treatment intended. For example, these compositions can be prepared in a from suitable for administration orally, intravascularyly, intraperitoneally, subcutaneously, intramusculary, rectally or intratumorally.
Accordingly the carrier material employed can be a solid or a liquid, or both, and is preferably formulated with the compound as unit -dose composition, for example, a tablet, which can contain from about 1% to about 95%, by weight of oligonucleotides. the concentration of the oligonucleotides in a solution is dependent of the volume being administered. Such pharmaceutical compositions of the invention can be prepared by any of the well known techniques of pharmacy, consisting essentially of admixing the components.
The pharmaceutical composition of this invention is delivered solely or in mixtures. A mixture comprises one or several oligonucleotides of this invention. These at least two substances herein is also referred to as compounds.
In one embodiment the at least two compounds are mixed and pure or in a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier. In yet another embodiment the at least two compounds of the pharmaceutical composition are separate and pure or are separate and in a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier. In one embodiment the at least two components are in the same pharmaceutical acceptable carrier, in yet another embodiment the at least two components are in different pharmaceutical acceptable carriers.
Forms of administration
Administering the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention may be accomplished by any means known to the person skilled in the art. Routes of administration include but are not limited to oral, intranasal, intratracheal, ocular, pulmonal, vaginal, rectal, parenteral (e.g. intramuscular, intradermal, intravenous, intratumoral or subcutaneous or direct injection), topical, transdermal.
In one embodiment of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of unwanted cancers or carcinomas, the pharmaceutical composition is delivered by means of a biodegradable, polymeric implant or implanted catheters.
The term "pharmaceutical composition" implicates the liquids or substances of this composition are pure and/or combined with pharmaceutical acceptable carriers.
The term "pharmaceuticaKy-acceptable carrier" means one or more compatible solid or liquid filler, diluents or encapsulating substances which are suitable for administration to a human or other vertebrate animal. The term "carrier" denotes an organic or inorganic ingredient, natural or synthetic, with which the active ingredient is combined to facilitate the application. The components of the pharmaceutical compositions also are capable of being commingled with the compounds of the present invention, and with each other, in a manner such that there is no interaction which would substantially impair the desired pharmaceutical efficiency.
Such carriers enable the compounds of the invention to be formulated as tablets, coated tablets, granules, powders, pills, dragees, (micro)capsules, liquids, gels, syrups, slurries, suspensions, emulsions and the like, for oral ingestion by a subject to be treated.
The pharmaceutical compositions may also include granules, powders, tablets, coated tablets, (micro)capsules, suppositories, syrups, emulsions, suspensions, creams, drops, coated onto microscopic gold particles or preparations with protracted release of active compounds, in whose preparation excipients and additives and/or auxiliaries such as disintegrants, binders, coating agents, swelling agents, lubricants, flavorings, sweeteners or solubilizers are customarily used as described above.
For a brief review of present methods for drug delivery, see Langer, Science 249:1527-1533, 1990, which is incorporated herein by reference.
For oral administration, the pharmaceutical composition is delivered alone without any pharmaceutical carriers or formulated readily by combining the compound(s) with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.
In one embodiment pharmaceutical compositions for oral use is obtained as solid excipient, optionally grinding a resulting mixture, and processing the mixture of granules, after adding suitable auxiliaries, if desired, to obtain tablets or dragee cores. Suitable excipients are, in particular, fillers such as sugars, including lactose, sucrose, mannitol, or sorbitol; cellulose preparations such as, for example, maize starch, wheat starch, rice starch, potato starch, gelatine, gum
tragacanth, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl-cellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, and/or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP).
In yet another embodiment disintegrating agents are added, such as the cross-linked polyvinyl pyrrolidone, agar, or alginic acid or a salt thereof such as sodium alginate. Optionally the oral formulations may also be formulated in saline or buffers for neutralizing internal acid conditions.
In yet another embodiment dragee cores are provided with suitable coatings. For this purpose, concentrated sugar solutions may be used, which may optionally contain gum arabic, talc, polyvSnyl pyrrolidone, carbopol gel, polyethylene glycol, and/or titanium dioxide, lacquer solutions, and suitable organic solvents or solvent mixtures.
In yet another embodiment dyestuffs or pigments are added to the tablets or dragee coatings for identification or to characterize different combinations of active compound doses.
In another embodiment pharmaceutical preparations which can be used orally include push-fit capsules made of gelatine, as well as soft, sealed capsules made of griatine and a plasticizer, such as glycerol or sorbitol. In one embodiment the pusttn-fit capsules contains the active ingredient in a mixture with filler such as lactose, binders such as starches, and/or lubricants such as talc or magnesium stearate and, optionally, stabilizers. In another embodiment of the soft capsules, the active compounds are dissolved or suspended in suitable liquids, such as fatty oils, liquid paraffin, or liquid polyethylene glycols. In addition, stabilizers maybe added.
In yet another embodiment microspheres formulated for oral administration are used, well know to someone skilled in the art.
The formulations for oral administration are in dosages suitable for such administration.
In yet another embodiment for buccal administration, the compositions may take the form of tablets or lozenges formulated in conventional manner.
Inhalation
In Sufcable pharmaceutical carriers are, for example, aqueous or saline solutions for inhalation, microencapsulated, encochleated, contained in liposomes, nebulized, aerosols.
In yet another embodiment the pharmaceutical acceptable carriers of the compounds for parenteral, intrathecal, intraventricular or intratumoral administration include sterile aqueous solutions which may also contain buffers,

diluents and other suitable additives such as, but not limited to, penetration enhancers, carrier compounds and other pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or excipients.
In yet another embodiment for the systemic delivery of the compounds they are in pharmaceutical carriers for parenteral administration by injection (e.g., by bolus injection or continuous infusion). Formulations for injection may be presented: in unit dosage form, e.g., in ampoules or in multi-dose containers, with an added preservative. The pharmaceutical compositions take such forms as suspensions, solutions or emulsions in oily or aqueous vehicles, and contain formulatory agents such as suspending, stabilizing and/or dispersing agents.
In one embodiment pharmaceutical carriers for parenteral administration include aqueous solutions of the active compounds in water-soluble form.
In yet another embodiment a suspensions of at least one oligonucleote is prepared as appropriate oily injection suspensions. Suitable lipophilic solvents or vehicles include fatty oils such as sesame oil, or synthetic fatty acid esters, such as ethyB oleate or triglycerides, or liposomes. Aqueous injection suspensions comprise substances which increase the viscosity of the suspension, such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, sorbitol, or dextran. Optionally, the suspension may also contain suitable stabilizers or agents which increase the solubility of the compounds to allow for the preparation of highly concentrated solutions.
In yet another embodiment the active compounds may are in powder form for constitution with a suitable vehicle, e.g., sterile pyrogen-free water, before use or dried onto a sharp object to be scratched into the skin.
In yet another embodiment the compounds are formulated in rectal or vaginal composStions such as suppositories or retention enemas, e.g., containing conventional suppository bases such as cocoa butter or other glycerides.
In yet another embodiment the compounds are formulated as a depot preparation. In one embodiment such long acting formulations are formulated with suitable polymeric or hydrophobic materials (for example as an emulsion in an acceptable oil) or ion exchange resins, or as sparingly soluble derivatives, for example, as a sparingly soluble salt.
In other embodiments delivery systems include time-release, delayed release or sustained rdfease delivery systems. Such systems can avoid repeated administrations of the compounds, increasing convenience to the subject and the physician. Many types of release delivery systems are available and known to those of ordinwry skill in the art.
In one embodiment the delivery system includes polymer base systems such as poly(lactide-t^ycolide), copolyoxalates, polycaprolactones, polyesteramides, polyorthoestors, polyhydroxybutyric acid, and polyanhydrides. Microcapsules of the foregoing polymers containing drugs are described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,075,10®.
In another afltrbodiment the delivery systems include non-polymer systems that are e.g. lipitfls including sterols such as cholesterol, cholesterol esters and fatty acids or neutral fats such as mono-di-and tri-glycerides; hydrogel release systems; syfestic systems; peptide based systems; wax coatings; compressed tablets using conventional binders and excipients; partially fused implants; and the like.
Specific examples include, but are not limited to: (a) erosional systems in which an agent of the invention is contained in a form within a matrix such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,452,775, 4,675,189, and 5,736,152, and (b) diffusional systems in which an active component permeates at a controlled rate from a polymer such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,854,480, 5,133,974 and 5,407,686. IBT addition, pump-based hardware delivery systems can be used, some of whicflr are adapted for implantation.
In still other embodiments, the antagonist and antineoplastic agent are formulated with GELFOAM, a commercial product consisting of modified collagen fibers that degrade slowly.
In one embodiment the pharmaceutical compositions also comprise suitable solid or gel phase carriers or excipients. Examples of such carriers or excipients include but are not limited to calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, various sugars, starches, cellulose derivatives, gelatine, and polymers such as polyethylene glycols.
In one embodiment the oligonucleotides of this invention are administered neat or in the form tf a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. The salts have to be pharmaceutically acceptable, but non-pharmaceutically acceptable salts may conveniently be used to prepare pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Such salts include, but are not limited to, those prepared from the following acids: hydrochloric, hytlrobromic, sulphuric, nitric, phosphoric, maleic, acetic, salicylic, p-toluene sulphonic, tartaric, citric, methane sulphonic, formic, malonic, succinic, naphthalene-2-sufphonic, and benzene sulphonic. Also, such salts can be prepared as alkaine metal or alkaline earth salts, such as sodium, potassium or calcium salts of ttre carboxylic acid group.
In one embodiment suitable buffering agents include but are not limited to: acetic acid and a salt (1-2% w/v); citric acid and a salt (1-3% w/v); boric acid and a salt (0.5-2.5% w/v); and phosphoric acid and a salt (0.8-2% w/v).
Suitable preservatives include benzalkonium chloride (0.003-0.03% w/v); chlorobutanol (0.3-0.9% w/v); parabens (0.01-0.25% w/v) and thimerosal (0.004-0.02% w/v).
In one embodiment the pharmaceutical acceptable carrier for topical administration for the at least two compounds of a pharmaceutical composition according to this invention include transdermal patches, ointments, lotions, creams, gels, drops, suppositories, sprays, liquids and powders. Conventional pharmaceutical carriers, aqueous, powder or oily bases, thickeners and the like may be necessary or desirable. In yet another embodiment coated condoms, gloves and the tike are useful.
In yet another embodiment the pharmaceutical compositions also include penetration enhancers in order to enhance the alimentary delivery. Penetration enhancers may be classified as belonging to one of five broad categories, i.e., fatty acids, bile salts, chelating agents, surfactants and non-surfactants (Lee et at., Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1991, 8, 91-192; Muranishi, Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1990, 7, 1-33). One or more penetration enhancers from one or more of these broad categories may be included.
Various fatty acids and their derivatives which act as penetration enhancers include, for example, deic acid, lauric acid, capric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, linoteic acid, linolenic acid, dicaprate, tricaprate, recinleate, monoolein (a.k.a. l-rnonooleoyl-rac-glycerol), dilaurin, caprylic acid, arichidonic acid, glyceryl 1-monocaprate, l-dodecylazacycloheptan-2-one, acylcarnitines, acylcholines, mono- and di-glycerides and physiologically acceptable salts thereof (i.e., oleate, laurate, caprate, myristate, palmitate, stearate, linoleate, etc.) (Lee et al., Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1991, 8:2, 91-192; Muranishi, Critical Revfews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1990, 7:1, 1-33; El-Hariri et al., 3. Pharm. Pharmacol., 1992, 44, 651-654). Examples of some presently preferred fatty acids are sodium caprate and sodium laurate, used singly or in combination? at concentrations of 0.5 to 5%.
The physiological roles of bile include the facilitation of dispersion and absorption of Hpids and fat-soluble vitamins (Brunton, Chapter 38 In: Goodman & Oilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 9th Ed., Hardman et al., eds., McGraw-Hill, New Yorti, N.Y., 1996, pages 934-935). Various natural bile salts, and their synthetic derivatives, act as penetration enhancers. Thus, the term "bile salt" includes any of the naturally occurring components of bile as well as any of their synthetic derivatives. A presently preferred bile salt is chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) (Sigma Chemical Company, St. Louis, Mo.), generally used at concentrations of 0.5 to 2%.
Complex formulations comprising one or more penetration enhancers may be used. For example, bie salts may be used in combination with fatty acids to make complex formulations. Preferred combinations include CDCA combined with sodium caprate or sodium laurate (generally 0.5 to 5%).
In one embodiment additionally chelating agents are used they include, but are not limited to, disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA), citric acid, salicylates (e.g., sodium salicylate, 5-methoxysalicylate and homovanilate), N-acyl derivatives of collagen, laureth-9 and N-amino acyl derivatives of beta-diketones (enaminesKLee et al., Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1991, 8:2, 92-192; Muranishi, Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1990, 7:1, 1-33; Buur et al., 3. Control Rel., 1990, 14, 43-51). Chelating agents have the added advantage of also serving as DNase inhibitors.
In yet another embodiment additionally surfactants are used. Surfactants include, for example, sodium lauryl sulfate, polyoxyethylene-9-lauryl ether and polyoxyethylene-20-cetyl cBher (Lee et al., Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1991, 8:2, 92-191); and perfluorochemical emulsions, such as FC-43 (Takahashi et al., 3. Pharm. Pharmacol., 1988, 40, 252-257).
Non-surfactants include, far example, unsaturated cyclic ureas, 1-alkyl- and 1-alkenylazacyclo-alkanone derivatives (Lee et al., Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1991, 8:2, 92-191); and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as diclofenac sodium, indomethacin and phenylbutazone (Yamashita et al., J. Pharm. PharmacdL, 1987, 39, 621-626).
In one embodiment the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention additionally contain other adjunct components conventionally found in pharmaceutical compositions, at their art-established usage levels. Thus, for example, the compositions may contain additional compatible pharmaceutically-active materials such as, e^g., antipruritics, astringents, local anesthetics or anti-inflammatory agents, or mttay contain additional materials useful in physically formulating various dosage forms of the composition of present invention, such as dyes, flavoring agents, preservatives, antioxidants, opacifiers, thickening agents and stabilizers. However, such materials, when added, should not unduly interfere with the biological activities of the components of the compositions of the invention.
In the embodiments of ofigonucleotides for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting the formation of metastases in cancer treatment or for the treatment of cancers such as colon colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, leukaemia, lymphoma, melanoma, non small cell lung carcinoma, ovarian carcinoma, pancreas carcinoma, prostate carcinoma, soft tissue cancer at least one antisense ofigonucleotide is applied in effective amounts. In other embodiments the active derivatives are applied in effective amounts. In yet other embodiments oligonucleottdes or their active derivatives for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting the formation of metastases in cancer treatment or for the treatment of cancers such as renal cancer, endometrial cancer, osteosarcoma, mesothelioma, myeloma multiple, esophageal cancer or any other cancer mentioned in this invention are applied in effective amounts.
Antagonist, oligonucleotides and there active derivatives are not only used for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions, but are also used for the treatment of the respective cancers in effective amounts. In general, the term "effective amount" of an antisense oligonucleotides, active derivative or antagonist refers to the amount necessary or sufficient to realize a desired biologic effect. Specifically, the effective amount is that amount that reduces the rate or inhibits altogether the formation of cancers or carcinomas respectively inhibits the formation of metastases. For instance, when the subject bears an unwanted cancer, an effective amount is that amount which decreases or eliminates the unwanted cancer. Additionally, an effective amount may be that amount which prevents an increase or causes a decrease in new unwanted cancer and/or reduces the formation of metastases.
The effective amount varies depending upon whether the pharmaceutical composition is used in single or multiple dosages and whether only one or several antisense oligonucleotides are within one pharmaceutical composition.
Dosages given in this writing are for adults. It is quite clear to someone skilled in the art, that these dosages have to be adapted if the human being is a child, a person stressed by a further illness or other circumstances. In the same way the effective amount must be adapted if an animal is treated which is also within the scope of this invention.
The effective dosage is dependent also on the method and means of delivery, which can be localized or systemic. For example, in some applications, as in the treatment of melanoma or ophthalmic cancer the combination preferably is delivered in a topical or ophthalmic carrier.
In one embodiment subject doses of the oligonucleotides described herein typically range from about 0.1 pg to about 10 mg per administration, which depending on the application could be given hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly and any other amount of time therebetween. In yet another embodiment the doses range from about 10 ug to about 5 mg per administration or from about 100 ug to about 1 mg, with 1-10 administrations being spaced hours, days or weeks apart. In some embodiments, however, doses may be used in a range even 2 to 100 fold higher or lower than the typical doses described above.
In ante embodiment of this invention the at least one oligonucleotide of a pharmaceutical composition accenting to this invention is an antisense oligramjcleotide inhibiting the production of TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta 3 TGF-beta 1, cell-cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), integrins, selectines, metalloproteases (MMPs), their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) and/or interteukin 10 is administered in a dose range from about 1 ug/kg/day to about 100 mg/kg/day or from about 10 ug/tos/day to about 10 mg/kg/day or from about 100 ug/kg/day to about 1 mg/kg/day.
EXAMPLES
If not referred to in another way, the sequences used in the assays were used as phosphorothioates. TGF-B1, respectively TGF-B2 in the context of this invention is sysnonymous with TGF-beta1 respectively TGF-beta2. AP12009 and AP11014 are synonyms for antisense oligonudeotides, AP12009 is an antisense oligonucleotide complementary to m-RNA of TGF-beta2 and AP11014 is an antisense oligonucleotide complementary |p m-RNA of TGF-beta1.
Example 1
Cell culture conditions for test systems
The cell lines under test were:
Cotancancer: HCT-116Metenoma: MER 191a, MER 116, MES 100a
NSCLC: SW 900, NCMH661
Ovarian cancer: EFO-21, Goto 704
Pancreatic cancer: PATU-8902, Hup-T3, Hup-T4
Prostate cancer: PC-3, DU-145
Cell Bnes were obtained from American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) respectively from the German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures. All cells were cultured as described by the provider.
Further cell lines under test:
Hepatocellular cancer: HepG2

Melanoma RPMI-7951, SK-Mel3
NSCLC: A-549
Renal cancer Caki-1
Cell lines were further obtained from the Cell Line Service (CLS).
Example 2
Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity Assay:
For generation of tumor cell supematants cells were cultured in culture medium supplemented with 1% PCS and 3% Panexin (Pan Biosystems) to reduce the TGF-B amount in the medium. Cells were treated with Lipofectin respectively the test substance with Lipofectin on two consecutive days or left untreated. Culture supematants were taken 3 days after the last Lipofectin treatment. TGF-beta produced by the tumor cells was activated by 1 N HCI (1:20 dilution) for 10 min at RT. For neutralisation NaOH was added. Human peripheral blood monocytes (PBMC) isolated from healthy donors were incubated with the tumor eel supematants in the presence of IL-2 (10 ng/ml) for the generation of lymphokine activated hiiler cells. To block activated TGF-beta 1 a TGF-beta 1 specific antibody (1 ug/ml, R&D Systems) was added. After 3 days, cytotoxic activity of LAK cells was determined in a 4h CARE-LASS assay against the respective cancer cell line as target.
For TGF-beta2 the same protocol was applied. Instead of the TGF-beta1 specific antibody a TGF-beta 2 specific antibody was added. In experiments for measuring TGF-beta1 or TGF-beta2 beneath the measurement of LAK cells the cytotoxic activity of PBMC was determined in 4h CARE-LASS assay
Example 3
Proliferation Assay with Lipofectin*
About 75.000 cells per millilitre of the respective tumor cell line were cultured in 12 well flat-bottom microtiter plates in MEM-Dulbecco medium supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum (FCS, Gibco), as recommended by ATCC (American Type Culture Collection). After 24 hours and after 48 hours the cells were treated with indicated concentration of respective TGF-beta 1 specific antisense oligonucleotides for 6 h. For enhancing the cellular uptake additionally Lipofectin* (Invitrogen, USA) with indicated concentrations was added during this 2x6
hours. Some experiments were performed without adding Lipofectin®. Between these two periods of 6 h and during the final 3 days cells were treated with 5 uM of above mentioned TGF-beta 1 specific antisense oligonucleotide in the absence of Lipofectin*. Control cells were cultured in pure medium for the same period. Furthermore reference cells were treated with indicated concentration of Lipofectin*.
Instead of MEM-Dulbecco-medium other culture mediums may be used according to the recommendations of the providers of the cell lines.
Finally cell numbers in all samples were quantified by staining the cells with Trypan blue and counting them in a "Neubauer" hemacytometer.
Alternatively the quantification of living cells was done with the EZ4U-assay according to the manufacturer's protocol, or by electronic cell counting with the Coulter Counter Z2 (Beckmann) according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Additionally, TGF-beta 1 concentrations in supematants were measured by TGF-beta 1 Enzym-Linked hnmunosorbent Assay (TGF-beta 1 ELISA, R&D Systems, USA) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Values from serum-supplemented medium without cells were subtracted to account for background from serum-derived TGF-beta 1.
This proiferation assay was also performed for measuring TGF-beta2 levels. In that case instead of TGF-beta1 specific antisense oltgonudeotides, TGF-beta2 specific antisense oligonucteotides were used and instead of measuring TGF-beta1 concentrations, TGF-beta2 concentrations were measured in the supematants by a TGF-beta2 Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (TGF-beta 2 ELISA).
Example 4
Proliferation assay without addition of Lipofectin*
About 25.000-200.000 cells per millilitre, dependent on cell diameter and speed of cell proliferation weie cultured in 12 well flat-bottom microtiter plates in MEM-Dulbecco medium supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum (PCS, Gibco), as recommended by ATCC (American Type Culture Collection). Additionally, TGF-beta 1 specific antisense oligonucleotideswere added during three days, whereas the control cells remained untreated during the three days
After three days cell numbers in all samples were quantified by staining them by trypan blue method and counting them in a "Neubauer" hemacytometer.

Additionally TGF-beta t concentrations were measured in the supernatants on day 3 with TGF-beta1 Enzym-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (TGF-beta 1 ELISA, Genzyme, Cambridge, MA, USA) according to the manufacturer instructions. Values from serum-supplemented medium without cells were subtracted to account for background from serum-derived TGF-beta 1.
In other proliferation assays TGF-beta 2 specific anttsense oligonucleotides were added. In these experiments the TGF-beta 2 levels were measured in the supernatants on day 3. In experiments enduring 6 days, used for melanoma cell lines, the levels of either TGF-beta 1 or TGF-beta2 were measured on day 3 and day 6. TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 levels were measured with TGF-betal or TGF-beta2 Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay which were provided by R&D Systems)
In the proliferation assays enduring 6 days the medium was exchanged after the first three days and cells were treated for further three days with the respective antisense oligonucleotides at the indicated concentrations. The cell numbers then were quantified after three and six days. The quantification of the living cells was performed with the EZ4U-assay according to the manufacturer's protocol, or by electronic cell counting with the Coulter Counter Z2 (Beckmarm) according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Instead of MEM-Dulbecco medium other culture mediums supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum (FCS, Gibco) were used, as recommended by the providers of the different cell lines.
Example 5 Scratch Assay
Tumor cells (about 900,000/well) were seeded in 6-well plates. The next day cells were treated once with the test substance and Lipofectin respectively with Lipofectin for 6h in Optimem (Invitrogen) CM- left untreated. Then, the confluent monolayer of cells was scratched (start) in a standardized manner with a sterile plastic pipette tip to create a cell-free zone in each well, approximately 1,000um in width. Afterwards the cells were washed once and incubated at 37°C in standard medium. In vitro migration was documented by photography, and the migration distance was quantified by computer-assisted image analysis using NIH Image 1.6. Each experiment was performed in quadruplicate.
Since migration plays a key role in the formation of metastases this "in vitro" experiment correlates with "in vwo" formation of metastases. Inhibition of "in vitro" migration indicates
inhibition of formation of metastases "in vivo".
Example 6
Spheroid Migration Model:
A spheroid model of migration was established as described elsewhere (Nygaard et al., 1998). Tumor cells were cultured in tissue culture flasks coated with 2% agar. After 3 days multicellular spheroids were transferred into 96-well plates and left untreated, treated with test substance or with recombinant TGF-B2 at 10 ng/ml (R&D Systems). The migration behaviour of the respective cell-line was analyzed by phase contrast microscopy (x10).
Since migration plays a key role in the formation of metastases this "in vitro" experiment correlates with "in vivo" formation of metastases. Inhibition of "in vitro" migration indicates inhibition of formation of metastases "in vivo".
Example 7 TGF-B1/B2-ELISA
The amount of TGF-B1 respectively TGF-B2 secreted by tumor cells was determined by ELISA. Briefly, tumor cells (15,000 - 200,000, depending on cell size and cell growth) were seeded into 12-well tissue culture plates and treated with the oligonucleotides under test in the presence of cationic lipid (Lipofectin reagent, Gibco BRL) for 6h in serum-free Optimem medium (Invitrogen) on two consecutive days (final concentrations: AP 11014: 200 nmol/l; Lipofectin: 3 ug/ml) or left untreated. Then, cells were cultured in the presence of 5 umol/l AP 11014 or left untreated. 72h after the second treatment with Lipofectin and the oligonucleotide under test the cell culture supernatants were collected. The amount of TGF-B1/B2 in the supernatants was measured employing a standard TGF-B1-ELISA-Kit respectively TGF-B2 (Quanfikine, R&D Systems, USA).
The final concentrations of TGF-beta1 or TGF-beta2 antisense oligonucleotides in this assay were 200nMol/l with Lipofectin concentrations of 3ug/ml, respectively 400 nMol/l with 6ug/ml.
Example 8 - Colon Cancer
TGF-B1 Suppression:
Analysed with TGF-B1 specific ELISA, as described in Example 7, 200 nM of phosphorothioate from SEQ ID NO 14 in the presence of 3 pg/ml Lipofectin reduced TGF-B1
secretion in colon cancer cell line HCT-116 to about 13,8% compared to untreated control which was set to 100%. In other experiments the proliferation was reduced to about 46 %.
Cell proliferation:
In the proliferation assay according to example 3 SEQ ID NO 14 in the presence of 3 ug/ml Lipofectin reduced proliferation off colon cancer cell line (HCT-116) to about 35% compared to untreated control which was setto 100%. 200 nMol of the SEQ ID NO 14 were used.
Scratch Assay
In the scratch assays according to Example 5 SEQ ID NO 14 significantly inhibits migration of the colon cancer cell line HCT-116 in a concentration of 200 nM in the presence of Lipofectin 3 ug/ml.
Example 9 - Hepatocellular Cancer
TGF-beta 1 Suppression
Analysed with TGF-B1 speoBc ELISA, as described in Example 7, 400 nM of phosphorothioate from SEQ ID NO 14 in the presence of 6 ug/ml Lipofectin reduced TGF-B1 secretion in hepatocellular cancer cell line Hep G2 to about 75% compared to untreated control which was set to 100%.
Cell proliferation:
In the proliferation assay acconfcrg to example 3 SEQ ID NO 14 reduced proliferation of the hepatocellular cancer cell line HepG2 to about 39% in a concentration of 400 nM in the presence of 6 ug/ml Lipofectin compared to untreated control which was set to 100%.
Esmple 10 - Melanoma
TQF-beta 1
Analysed with TGF-61 specific EUSA, as described in Example 7, 400 nM of phrephorothioate from SEQ ID NO 14 in the presence of 1 ug/ml Lipofectin reduced TGF-B1 s«retion in melanom cancer cell line WER-116 to about 0% compared to untreated control wfceh was set to 100%.
TGF-beta 1 Suppression
Analysed with TGF-B1 specific EUSA, as described in Example 7, 10 uM of ptesphorothioate from SEQ ID NO 14 reduced TGF-B1 secretion in melanom cancer cell line ME5-100a to about 23% compared to untreated control which was set to 100%.
TGF-beta 2 Suppressbn
Analysed with TGF-B2 specific EUSA, as described in Example 7, 400 nM of phnsphorothioate from SEQ ID NO 30 in the presence of 6 ug/ml Lipofectin reduced TGF-B2 secretion in melanoma cell line RPMI- 7951 to about 14.2 % compared to untreated control wNch was set to 100%.
Inhibition of proliferation
In ttie proliferation assay according to example 3 SEQ ID NO 14 reduced proliferation of melanoma cell line (MER-116) to about 33% in a concentration of 50 nM and to about 23% in a concentration of 200 nM in the presence of 3 ug/ml Lipofectin compared to untreated control which was set to 100%. In other experiments usingA-549 cell line the proliferation was reduced to about 0.4% compared to untreated control, which was set to 100%.
Inhibition of proliferation
In the proliferation assay according to example 3 SEQ ID NO 30 reduced proliferation of melanoma cell line (RPMI-7951) to about 17.8 % in a concentration of 400 nM in the presence of 6 ug/ml Lipofectin compared to untreated control which was set to 100%.
Example 11-NSCLC
TGF-B1 Suppression
Analysesfi with TGF-B1 specific ELISA, as described in Example 7, 200 nM of phosphonothioate from SEQ ID NO 14 in the presence of 3 pg/ml Lipofectin reduced TGF-B1 secretion in non small cell lung cancer ceH fine SW-900 to about 34% and in NCI-H661 to about 38 % compared to untreated control which was set to 100%.
In canoerrcell line A-549 TGF under the same conditions the TGF-B1 secretion was reduced to aboUtO 4%.
Cell prdBeration:
In the proliferation assay according to example 3 SEQ ID NO 14 reduced proliferation of NSCLC cell line (SW-900) to about 30% in a concentration of 200 nM in the presence of 3 ug/ml Upjfectin compared to untreated control which was set to 100%. SEQ ID NO 14 was applied m a concentration of 200 nM.ln other examples of the proliferation assay according to example 3 SEQ ID NO14 in a concentration of 200 nM reduced proliferation of NSCLC cell line A-548 to about 36% and NCI-H661 to about 44%.
Scratch Assay
In the scratch assays according to Example 5 SEQ ID NO 14 significantly inhibits migration of the NSCLC cancer cell line SW-900 in a concentration of 200 nM and 400 nM in the presence of Lipofectin 6 ug/ml. The migration after 17 h of the cell treated with both concentrations of SEQ ID NO 14 was about 50 urn, whereas the cell incubated with Lipofecfa migrated about 75 urn and the control cells about 80 pm. After 24 h the results were about: control 120pm, Lipofectin treated cells: 11 Sum and SEQ ID NO 14 treated cell about 60pm. Migration after 48 h was about 250 pm for the control and Lipofectin treated cells and about 150 urn for both concentrations of cells treated with SEQ ID NO 14.
In the scratch assay under the same conditions SEQ ID NO 14 cells incubated with Lipofecfc) migrated about 75 urn and the control cells about 80 urn. After 24 h the results were about: control 120pm, Lipofectin treated cells: 115pm and SEQ ID NO 14 treated cell
about 60um. Migration after 48 h was about 250 urn for the control and Lipofectin treated cells and abo*150 urn for both concentrations of cells treated with SEQ ID NO 14
Example 12 -(Ovarian cancer TGF-beta 1 Suppression
Analysed viflfr TGF-B1 specific ELISA, as described in Example 7, 10 nM of phosphorothioBte from SEQ ID NO 14 in the presence of 3 ug/ml Lipofectin reduced TGF-B1 secretion in warian cancer Colo 704 to about 54% compared to untreated control which was set to 100%.
TGF-beta2 Suppression
Analysed vOto TGF-B2 specific ELISA, as described in Example 7, 200 nM of phosphorottiinate from SEQ ID NO 30 in the presence of 3 ug/ml Lipofectin reduced the TGF-B2 seoEtion in ovarian cancer EFO-21 to about 31 % compared to untreated control which was sett to 100%.
Cell protiferafem:
TGF-beta 1: Ih the proliferation assay according to example 3 SEQ ID NO 14 reduced proliferation df ovarian cancer cell line Colo 704 to about 54% in a concentration of 50 nM in the presenceof 3 ug/ml Lipofectin compared to untreated control which was set to 100%.
In another proliferation assay according to example 3 SEQ ID NO 14 reduced proliferation of ovarian cancer cell line Colo 704 to about 40 % in a concentration of 200 nM in the presence of 3 ug/ml Lipofectin compared to untreated control which was set to 100%.
TGF-beta 2: Ih the proliferation assay according to example 3 SEQ ID NO 30 reduced proliferation of ovarian cancer cell EFO-21 to about 31% in a concentration of 200 uM and to about 45% in a concentration of 50 nM in the presence of 3 ug/ml Lipofectin compared to untreated control which was set to 100%.
In another proliferation assay according to example 3 SEQ ID NO 30 reduced proliferation of ovarian cancer cell EFO-21 to about 63% in a concentration of 200 nM in the presence of 3 |jg/ml Lipofedn compared to untreated control which was set to 100%.
Example 13 - Pwcreas cancer:
TGF-beta 1 Suppession
Analysed with TC5F-G1 specific ELISA, as described in Example 7, 10 \)M of phosphorothioatefrom SEQ ID NO 14 reduced TGF-B1 secretion in pancreatic cancer Hup T3 to about 74% compared to untreated control which was set to 100%.
In another expewnent of example 7 analysed with TGF-B1 specific ELISA 200 nM of phosphorothioatefrom SEQ ID NO 14 in the presence of 3ug/ml Lipofectin reduced TGF-IS1 secretion in paraeatic cancer cell line DanG to about 3 % compared to untreated control which was set to 100%.
TGF-beta 2 Suppession
Analysed with IRBF-beta 2 specific ELISA, as described in Example 7, 200 nM of phosphorothioatefrom SEQ ID NO 30 in the presence of 3 pg/ml Lipofectin reduced TGF-G2 secretion in panoeatic cancer cell line Hup-T3 to about 2% and in PATU-8902 to about 10% compared to untreated control which was set to 100%.
With the TGF-bete2 specific ELISA as described in example 7 200 nM of phosphorothioate from SEQ ID NO 30 in the presence of 3 g/ml Lipofection reduced TGF-G2 secretion in pancreatic cancer cell lines Hup-T4 cells to about 24 %, and in PA-TU-8902 cells to about 6 % compared to untreated control which was set to 100 %.
Cell Proliferation TGF-beta 2
In the proliferation assay according to example 3 SEQ ID NO 30 reduced proliferation of pancreatic cancer cell line Hup-T3 to about 1% in a concentration of 200 nM in the presence of 3 pg/ml Lipofectin compared to untreated control which was set to 100%, in the cell line PATU-8902 prolferation was reduced to about 10%.
In another proliferation assay according to example 3 SEQ ID NO 30 reduced proliferation of pancreatic cancer cell line Hup-T3 to about 24%, Hup-T4 to about 24 % and PATU-B902 to about 27 % in a concentration of 200 nM in the presence of 3 ug/ml Lipofectin compared to untreated control which was set to 100 %.
Cell Proliferation TGF-teta 1
In the proliferation assay, according to example 4 SEQ ID NO 14 reduced proliferation of pancreatic cancer celline Hup-T3 to about 13% in a concentration of 10 pM in the presence of 3 (jg/ml Lipofectin compared to untreated control which was set to 100%, in the cell line PATU-8902 proliferation was reduced to about 10%.
In another proliferation assay according to example 4 SEQ ID NO 14 reduced proliferation of pancreatic cancer cell ire DanG to about 27 % in a concentration of 200 nM in the presence of 3 ug/ml Lipofectin compared to untreated control which was set to 100%.
Cell Migration
Migration of a pancreatic cell line PATU- 8902 was measured according to the protocol of example 6 treated with SEQ ID NO 30 in a concentration of 5 uMol/l was nearly completely inhibited for about 65 h, compared to the untreated reference whereas the diameter of the sphere of control cells increased about 1000 urn during the same time.
In the same experiment human TGF-beta 2 antibodies were tested which nearly showed no effect, which indicates that the inhibition of migration is highly specific for antisense oligonucleotides and do not only correlate with antagonizing TGF-beta.
Example 14 - Prostate Cancer
TGF-beta 1 Suppression
Analysed with TGF-ftt specific ELISA, as described in Example 7, 200 nM of phosphorothioate from SEQ ID NO 14 in the presence of 3 ug/ml Lipofectin reduced TGF-B1 secretion in prostate cancer cell line PC-3 to about 36% and in DU-145 to about 57% compared to untreated control which was set to 100%.
TGF-beta 2 Suppression
Analysed with TGF-B2 specific ELISA, as described in Example 7, 200 nM of phosphorothioate from SEQ ID NO 14 in the presence of 3 ug/ml Lipofectin reduced TGF-B2 secretion in prostate cancer cell line PC-3 to about 19% and in DU-145 to about 20% compared to untreated control which was set to 100%.
Cell proliferation TGF-beta1:
In the proliferation assay according to example 3 SEQ ID NO 14 reduced proliferation of prostate carcinoma cell line PC-3 to about 74% in a concentration of 200 nM in the presence of 3 M9/m' Lipofectin compared to untreated control which was set to 100%.
In another experiment accenting to the example 3 SEQ ID NO 14 reduced proliferation of prostate carcinoma cell line DU-145 to about 81 % in a concentration of 200 nM in the presence of 3 ug/ml Lipofedm compared to untreated control which was set to 100 %.
Cell proliferation TGF-beta2:
In the proliferation assay according to example 3 SEQ ID NO 30 reduced proliferation of prostate carcinoma cell line PC-3 to about 29 % and of DU-145 to about 34% in a concentration of 200 nM in Use presence of 3 ug/ml Lipofectin compared to untreated control which was set to 100%.
Scratch Assay
In the scratch assays according to Example 5 SEQ ID NO 14 significantly inhibits migration of the prostate cancer eel tine PC-3 in a concentration of 400 nM in the presence of Lipofectin 6 ug/ml. The migration after 17 h of the cell treated with SEQ ID NO 14 was about 37 urn, whereas the cell incubated with Lipofectin migrated about 140 um and the control cells about 165 um. After 24 h the results were about: control 288 um, Lipofectin treated cells: 213 pm and SEQ ID NO 14 treated cell about 60 um. Migration after 48 h was about 366 um for the control, 328 |*n for Lipofectin treated cells and about 150 um for cells treated with SEQ ID NO 14.
In another experiment the scratch assays according to Example 5 SEQ ID NO 14 significantly inhibits migration of the prostate cancer cell line PC-3 in a concentration of 400 nM in the presence of 6 ug/ml Lipofectin. The migration after 17 h of the cell treated with SEQ ID NO xx was about 118 um, whereas the cell incubated with Lipofectin migrated about 207 pro and the control eels about 215 um. After 24 h the results were about: control 288 pm, Lipofectin treated cells: 313 um and SEQ ID NO 14 treated cell about 166 um. Migration after 48 h was about 420 urn for the control, 421 um for Lipofectin treated cells and about 197 [am for cells treated with SEQ ID NO 14.

Example 15 - Renal Cancer
TGF-beta 1 Suppression
Analysed with TGF-B1 specific ELISA, as described in Example 7, 200 nM of phosphorothioate from SEQ ID N014 in the presence of 3 ug/ml Lipofectin reduced TGF-R1 secretion in renal cancer cell line Caki-1 to about 4% compared to untreated control which was set to 100%.
Cell proliferation:
In the proliferation assay according to example 3 SEQ ID NO 14 reduced proliferation of the renal carcinoma cell line Caki-1 to about 5% in a concentration of 200 nM in the presence of 3 ug/ml Lipofectin compared to untested control which was set to 100%.
Example 16 Antisense complementary to m-RNA of genes TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta 2, TGF-beta 3IL-10
Antisense complementary to m-RNft of the human transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1):
(Seq Removed)
Anisense complementary to m-RNA of the human transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGF-betaZ):
(SEQ Removed)
Splice variation of Antisense complementary to m-RNA of the human transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGF-beta2) comprising a further insert compared with the antisense complementary to m-RNA of the human transforming growth factor beta 2 given above. The insert is beBween the position 812 and 900, starting counting from the top. Oligonucleotides hybridising with parts of this antisense molecule are also within the scope of this invention.
(SEQ Removed)
Antisense complementary to m-RNA of the human transforming growth factor beta 3 (TGF-beta3)
(SEQ Removed)
Antisense of imr-RNA of human Interteukin 10
(SEQ Removed)
Example 17 -Synthesis of oligonucleotides
On method for synthesizing oligondesoxy-nucleotides is performed by stepwise 5 addition of
protected nucleosidtes using phosphite triester chemistry. The first nudeotide is introduced
as 5'-dimeiioxytrityl-deoxyadenosine(N4benzoyl)-N N'diisopropyl-2-cyanoethyl
phosphoramidite (01 M); C is introduced by a 5'dimethoxytrityl-deoxycytidine (N4benzoyl)-N, N'-diisopropyl-2-q(Bnoethyl phosphoramidite; G is introduced as 5'-dimethoxytrityl-deoxyguanosine(Nftsobutyryl)-N, N'diisopropyl-2-cyanoethyl phosphoramidite and the I was introduced as 5'-dimethoxytritykJeoxythymidine-N, N'-di-isopropyl-2-cyanoethyl phosphoramidite. The nucleosides were preferably applied in 0.1 M concentration dissolved in acetonitril.
Synthesis is performed on controlled pore glass particles of about 150 Fm diameter (pore diameter about 500 A) to which the most 3 nucleoside is covalently attached via a long chain alkylamin linker (average loading about 30 Fmol/g solid support).
The solid support is loaded into a cylindrical synthesis column capped on both ends with filters which permit adequate flow of reagents but hold back the solid synthesis support. Reagents are delivered and withdrawn from the synthesis column using positive pressure of inert gas The nudeotides were added to the growing oligonucleotide chain in 3' -> 5' direction. Each nudeotide was coupled using one round of the following synthesis cycle.
Cleaving 5'DMT (dimethoxytrityl) protecting group of the previous nudeotide with 3-chloroacetic acid in dichloromethane followed by washing the column with anhydrous acetonitrile. Then simultaneously one of the bases in form of their protected derivative depending on the sequence is added plus tetrazole in acetonitrile. After reaction the reaction mixture has been withdrawn and the phosphite is oxidized with a mixture of sulfur (S8) in carbon disulfid/pyridine/triethylamine. After the oxidation reaction the mixture is withdrawn and the column was washed with acetonitrile. The unreacted 5'-hydroxyl groups are capped with simultaneous addition of 1 -methyltmidazole and acetic anhydryide/lutidine/tetrahydro-furan. Thereafter the synthesis column is washed with acetonitrile and the next cycle was started.
The work up procedure and purification of the synthesis products occurs as follows:
After the addition of the test nucleotide the deoxynucleotides were cleaved from the solid support by incubation in ammonia solution. Exoxyclic base protecting groups are removed by further incubation in ammonia. Then the ammonia is evaporated under vacuum. Full-length synthesis products still bearing the 5'DMT protecting group are separated from shorter failure contaminants using reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography on silica C18 stationary phase. Eluents from the product peak are collected dried under vacuum and the 5'-DMT protecting group cleaved by incubation in acetic acid which is evaporated thereafter under vacuum. The synthesis products are solubilized in the deionized water and extracted three times with diethylether. Then the products are dried in vacuo. Another HPLC-AX chromatography is performed and the eluents from the product peak are dialysed against excess of Tris-buffer and then dialysed against deionized water. The final products are lyophilized and stored dry.
Example 18
Cell mediated cytotoxicity assays were performed according to protocol of Example 2 with phosphorthioated antisense oligonucleotides of TGF beta 2: SEQ ID NO 30 respectively TGF-beta1:SEQIDNO14.
TGF-beta 2 - pancreatic cancer cell line PA-TU-8902 Surprisingly cell mediated cytotoxicity inhibited by high levels of TGF-beta 2, was nearly completely restored in the pancreatic cancer cell line PA-TU-8902 by 200 nM of SEQ ID NO 30 in the presence of 3ug/ml Lipofectin. The test was consolidated by different ratios of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to tumor cells (10:1, 5:1, 2,5:1). The respective restoration of the cell mediated cytotoxicity was 80%, 88% and 100%. Results were taken from triplicates. Comparable results were found in non-small cell lung carcinoma cell line K562, colon cancer cell line HCT-116.
TGF-beta 2 - pancreatic cancer cell line PA-TU-8902
Surprisingly, cell mediated cytotoxicity on Hup-T3 target cells of PBMC cultured in the cell culture supematants of PA-TU-8902 cells which were treated with 400 nM of SEQ ID NO 30 in the presence of 6 ug/ml Lipofectin, was enhanced by about 140-400 % compared to untreated control at the effectortarget ceH ratios (20:1, 10:1, 5:1, 2,5:1, 1,25:1). Results were taken from quadruplicates.
TGF-beta 1 - coton cancer cell HneK562
Cell mediated cytotoxicity inhibited! by high levels of TGF-beta 1, was completely restored in the
colon cancer cell
line K562 by 400 nM of SEQ D NO 30 in the presence of 6 jug/ml Lipofectin- The test was
consolidated by different ratios of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to tumor cells
(20:1,10:1, 5:1, 2,5:1, 1,25:1). Ttoe respective restoration of the cell mediated cytotoxicity at all of
these ratios was 100%. Results were taken from triplicates.
TGF-beta 1 - colon cancer cell line HCT-116
Surprisingly, cell mediated cytotancity on K562 target cells of PBMC cultured in the cell culture supematants of HCT-116 cells wJrich were treated with 400 nM of SEQ ID NO 30 in the presence of 6 ug/ml Lipofectin, was enhanced by about 170-285% compared to untreated control at the indicated effectortarget cell rates (20:1, 10:1, 5:1, 2.5:1, 1.25:1). Results were taken from quadruplicates.
TGF-beta 1: non-small cell lung (NSCLC) carcinoma cell line HCI-H661 Cell mediated cytotoxicity inhibited by high levels of TGF-beta 1, was also was completely restored in the non-small cell lung carcinoma cell line HCI-H661 by 200 nM of SEQ ID NO 30 in the presence of 3 uL/g/ml Lipofectin. The test was consolidated by different ratios of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to tumor cells (20:1, KM, 5:1,2,5:1). The respective restoration of the cell mediated cytotoxicity in all of these ratios was 100%. Results were taken from triplicates.
TGF-beta 1: non-small cell king (NSCLC) carcinoma cell line A-549
Surprisingly, cell mediated cytotaocity on Hup-T3 target cells of PBMC cultured in the cell culture supematants of PA-TU-8902 cefc which were treated with 200 nM of SEQ ID NO 30 in the presence of 3 ug/ml Lipofectin, vies enhanced by about 250-415% at the indicated effectortarget cell ratios (10:1, 5:1,2.5:1,1.25:1,06251). Results were taken from quadruplicates.
TGF-beta 1: prostate cancer ceH fcie PC-3
Surprisingly, cell mediated cytotoodcity on K562 target cells of PBMC cultured in the cell culture supematants of PC-3 cells which were treated with 400 nM of SEQ ID NO 30 in the presence of 6 pg/ml Lipofectin, was enhanced by about 130-270% at the indicated effectortarget cell ratios (20:1, 10:1,5:1,2.5:1,1.25:1). Results were taken from quadruplicates.
Example 19
Tfce TGF-beta 1 antisense oligonucleotides of this example are part of the invention. They ae further embodiments for oligonucleotides inhibiting formation of TGF-beta1 "in vitro" and Inrvtvo" and by this can be used in pharmaceutical acceptable carriers as a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of cancers as described in this invention and/or for inhibiting He formation of metastases.
I€F-beta1 antisense oligonucleotides:
(SEQ Removed)
Example 20
TheTGF-beta2 antisense oligonucleotides of this example are part of the invention. They are further embodiments for oligonucleotides inhibiting formation of TGF-beta2 "in vitro" and "in vivo" and by this can be used in pharmaceutical acceptable carriers as a pharmaceutical
composition for the treatment of cancers as described in this invention and/or for inhibiting the formation of metastases.
TGF-beta2 antisense oligonucleotides:
(SEQ Removed)
Example 21
The TCF-beta3 antisense oligonucleotides of this example are part of the invention. They are further embodiments for oligonucleotides inhibiting formation of TGF-beta3 "in vitro" and "in vivo" and by this can be used in pharmaceutical acceptable carriers as a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of cancers as described in this invention and/or for inhibiting the fonmation of metastases.
TGF-beta3 artisense oligonucleotides:
(SEQ Removed)
Example 22
The IL-10sffitisense oligonucleotides of this example are part of the invention. They are further embodiments for oligonucleotides inhibiting formation of IL-10 "in vitro" and "in vivo" and by this can be used in pharmaceutical acceptable carriers as a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of cancers as described in this invention and/or for the treatment of metastases.
IL-10 antisense oligonucleotides:
(SEQ Removed)
Example 23
The TGF beta 1,2 and 3 antisense oligonucleotides of this example are also part of the invention. They are further embodiments for oligonucleotides inhibiting formation of TGF-beta 1,2 and 3 "in vitro" and "in vivo" and by this can be used in pharmaceutical acceptable carriers as a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of cancers as described in this invention and/or for the treatment of metastases.
TGF-beta1, 2 and 3 antisense oligonucleotides:
(SEQ Removed)
Example 24
The TGF beta 1 and 2 antisense oligonucleotides of this example are also part of the invention. They are further embodiments for oligonucleotides inhibiting formation of TGF-beta 1 and 2 "in vitro" and "in vivo" and by this can be used in pharmaceutical acceptable carriers as a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of cancers as described in this invention and/or for the treatment of metastases.
Antisense oligonucleotides complementary to m-RNA of TGF-beta1:
(SEQ Removed)
Sequences, Sequence-Listing (SEQ Removed)






WE CLAIM:
1. A TGF-beta2 antisense oligonucleotide suitable to inhibit the formation of metastases in cancer treatment, wherein the oligonucleotide is selected from the group identified in the sequence listing under SEQ ID NO. 22 to 48 or selected from the group identified in the examples2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18, or 20.
2. The antisense oligonucleotide as claimed in claim 1 wherein the oligonucleotide is suitable to inhibit the synthesis of proteins involved in the formation of metastases.
3. The antisense oligonucleotide as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the oligonucleotide is suitable to inhibit the production of TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, and/or TGF-beta3.
4. The antisense oligonucleotide as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the oligonucleotide is identified in the sequence listing under SEQ ID NO. 28, 29 30, 34, 35, 36, 40, or 42.
5. The antisense oligonucleotide as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the oligonucleotide is a morpholino oligonucleotide, or comprises a locked nucleic acid, or comprises a peptide nucleic acid, or comprises 1 to 20 additional nucleotides at the 3'- and/or 5'- end.
6. The antisense oligonucleotide as claimed in any of claim 1 to 4, wherein the cancer is selected from the group of bile duct carcinoma, bladder carcinoma or cancer, brain tumor, breast cancer, bronchogenic carcinoma, carcinoma of the kidney, cervical cancer, choriocarcinoma, cystadenocarcinoma, cervical carcinoma, colon carcinoma or cancer, colorectal carcinoma, embrional carcinoma, endometrial cancer, epithelial carcinoma, esophageal cancer, gallbladder cancer, gastric cancer, head and neck cancer, hepatocellular cancer or carcinoma, leukemia, liver carcinoma, lung carcinoma, lymphoma, medullary carcinoma, non-small-cell bronchogenic / lung carcinoma, ovarian cancer, pancreas carcinoma, papillary carcinoma, papillary adenocarcinoma, prostate cancer, small intestine carcinoma, rectal cancer, renal cell
carcinoma, sebaceous gland carcinoma, skin cancer, small-cell bronchogenic/lung carcinoma or cancer, soft tissue cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, testicular carcinoma, uterine cancer, acoustic neuromas, neurofibromas, trachomas, and pyogenic granulomas; pre-malignant tumors, blastoma, Ewing's tumor, craniopharyngioma, ependymoma, medulloblastoma, hemanglioblastoma, melanoma, mesothelioma, neuroblastoma, neurofibroma, pinealoma, retinoblastoma, sarcoma (including angiosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, endothelialsarcoma, fibrosarcoma, gliosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, liposarcoma, lymphangio and otheliosarcoma, lymphangiosarcoma, melanoma, meningioma, myosarcoma, osteogenic sarcoma, osteosarcoma), seminoma, Wilm's tumor and/or myeloma, multiple.
7. Pharmaceutical composition comprising a TGF-beta2 antisense

Documents:

5372-delnp-2006-1-Correspondence Others-(24-02-2014).pdf

5372-delnp-2006-1-Form-3-(24-02-2014).pdf

5372-DELNP-2006-Abstract-(25-01-2012).pdf

5372-delnp-2006-abstract.pdf

5372-delnp-2006-claims (21-02-2008).pdf

5372-delnp-2006-Claims-(24-02-2014).pdf

5372-DELNP-2006-Claims-(25-01-2012).pdf

5372-delnp-2006-claims.pdf

5372-delnp-2006-Correspondence Others-(16-05-2013).pdf

5372-DELNP-2006-Correspondence Others-(03-02-2012).pdf

5372-delnp-2006-Correspondence Others-(07-04-2014).pdf

5372-delnp-2006-Correspondence Others-(08-01-2014).pdf

5372-delnp-2006-Correspondence Others-(24-01-2014).pdf

5372-delnp-2006-Correspondence Others-(24-02-2014).pdf

5372-DELNP-2006-Correspondence Others-(25-01-2012)..pdf

5372-DELNP-2006-Correspondence Others-(25-01-2012).pdf

5372-delnp-2006-correspondence-others (21-02-2008).pdf

5372-delnp-2006-correspondence-others (22-02-2008).pdf

5372-delnp-2006-correspondence-others.pdf

5372-delnp-2006-description (complete).pdf

5372-delnp-2006-drawing.pdf

5372-DELNP-2006-Drawings-(25-01-2012).pdf

5372-DELNP-2006-Form-1-(25-01-2012)..pdf

5372-DELNP-2006-Form-1-(25-01-2012).pdf

5372-delnp-2006-form-1.pdf

5372-delnp-2006-Form-13 (21-02-2008).pdf

5372-DELNP-2006-Form-13-(18-09-2006).pdf

5372-delnp-2006-form-13.pdf

5372-delnp-2006-form-18 (22-02-2008).pdf

5372-DELNP-2006-Form-2-(25-01-2012).pdf

5372-delnp-2006-form-2.pdf

5372-delnp-2006-form-26.pdf

5372-DELNP-2006-Form-3-(25-01-2012).pdf

5372-delnp-2006-form-3.pdf

5372-delnp-2006-form-5.pdf

5372-delnp-2006-gpa (21-02-2008).pdf

5372-delnp-2006-pct-101.pdf

5372-delnp-2006-pct-206.pdf

5372-delnp-2006-pct-304.pdf

5372-DELNP-2006-Petition-137-(03-02-2012).pdf


Patent Number 260374
Indian Patent Application Number 5372/DELNP/2006
PG Journal Number 18/2014
Publication Date 02-May-2014
Grant Date 28-Apr-2014
Date of Filing 18-Sep-2006
Name of Patentee ANTISENSE PHARMA GMBH
Applicant Address JOSEF-ENGERT-STRASSE 9, 93053 REGENSBURG, GERMANY.
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 SCHLINGENSIEPEN, KARL-HERMANN SCHUBERTSTRASSE 5, 93093 DONAUSTAUF,GERMANY.
2 SCHLINGENSIEPEN, REIMAR AUF DER PLATTE 4, 93051 REGENSBURG, GERMANY.
3 JACHIMCZAK, PIOTR STERENSTR. 37, 97074 WURZBURG, GERMANY
4 STAUDER, GERHARD PRIMELWAG 2, 82538 GERETSRIED, GERMANY
5 BISCHOF, ASTRID HANS-SACHS-STRASSE 9B, 93049 REGENSBURG, GERMANY
6 HAFNER, MICHAEL KUEFFNERSTRASSE 4, 93059 REGENSBURG, GERMANY
7 EGGER, TAMARA RAIFFEISENSTRASSE 13, 93059 REGENSBURG, GERMANY
8 EGGER, TAMARA RAIFFEISENSTRASSE 13, 93059 REGENSBURG, GERMANY
PCT International Classification Number C12N 15/11
PCT International Application Number PCT/EP2005/002101
PCT International Filing date 2005-02-28
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 60/558135 2004-04-01 U.S.A.
2 60/558,135 2004-04-01 U.S.A.
3 04004478.6 2004-02-27 U.S.A.