There is only one oligonucleotide drug on the market so far – this is Isis’ Vitravene for the treatment of retinitis in AIDS patients.  Several are in late-stage development, however.  Genta, who recently obtained support from Aventis have a drug Gentasense (oblimersen sodium) in phase III for treatment of various forms of cancer.  The 18-nucleotide active ingredient for this drug is made by Avecia, one of the largest manufacturers of oligonucleotide drug actives.  Eyetech Pharmaceuticals also have a drug Macugen (pegaptanib sodium) in phase III trials for a drug to counteract diseases which cause blindness and Pfizer have recently invested heavily in Eyetech.  Lilly are also interested in this area and have a collaboration on a cancer drug with Isis.

The fine chemicals industry is jumping on the oligonucleotide bandwagon and apart from Avecia, Degussa (at Raylo, Edmonton, Canada) and Lonza (at Visp Switzerland) have oligo synthesis facilities.  Dow is also building facilities at Midland.  There are probably other companies with facilities under construction (Chem & Eng News, 2003, Jan 6, p 10)