bcl-xl multivalent small interfering RNA nanostructure

The bcl-xl multivalent small interfering RNA nanostructure is an experimental RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutic designed to silence the BCL2L1 gene, which encodes the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-xL. This drug utilizes the Spherical Nucleic Acid (SNA) platform, characterized by a dense, highly oriented arrangement of siRNA duplexes surrounding a nanoparticle core (typically gold or lipid-based). This unique multivalent architecture facilitates efficient cellular uptake via scavenger receptors and enhances the stability of the RNA payload against nuclease degradation without the need for traditional lipid-based transfection agents. By reducing Bcl-xL levels, the nanostructure promotes apoptosis in cancer cells and can overcome resistance to conventional chemotherapies. Developed primarily by Exicure in collaboration with Northwestern University, this candidate has been investigated in preclinical models for glioblastoma, prostate cancer, and other solid tumors.

Other names

Bcl-xL-targeting spherical nucleic acidBcl-xL siRNA-SNAMultivalent RNA-nanoparticle conjugate targeting BCL2L1