alicaforsen

Alicaforsen is a phosphorothioate-modified antisense oligonucleotide that selectively inhibits the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‑1) by binding to its mRNA, leading to RNase H-mediated degradation and reduced ICAM‑1 protein production. ICAM‑1 is a cell surface glycoprotein involved in leukocyte adhesion and migration during inflammatory responses. Overexpression of ICAM‑1 is implicated in various inflammatory disorders, including ulcerative colitis, pouchitis, Crohn’s disease, and other conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract, skin, lungs, and eyes. Alicaforsen was originally developed by Ionis Pharmaceuticals (formerly Isis Pharmaceuticals) and later by Atlantic Healthcare for use primarily as an enema formulation for pouchitis and left-sided ulcerative colitis. It has orphan drug designation for pouchitis but development has been discontinued or not pursued in several indications due to lack of efficacy or strategic decisions[1][2][4][5][7].

Brand names

Camligo

Other names

alicaforsen sodium