DCR-AUD

DCR-AUD is an investigational small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapeutic developed for the treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD). It utilizes GalNAc-conjugated RNA interference technology to specifically target and silence aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) messenger RNA in the liver. By reducing ALDH2 expression and activity, DCR-AUD decreases the conversion of acetaldehyde to acetic acid during alcohol metabolism, leading to increased systemic acetaldehyde levels after ethanol ingestion. This mechanism is intended to induce aversive physiological responses upon alcohol consumption, thereby discouraging further drinking. The drug substance of DCR-AUD is a synthetic double-stranded RNA oligonucleotide designed for subcutaneous administration. The primary developer is Dicerna Pharmaceuticals (a subsidiary of Novo Nordisk), with clinical development focused on AUD[1][4][5][6][7][8].