Medical Science 32

Why ASO Technology?

April 30, 2025

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What makes ASO technology different?

What makes antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) so special? Let’s first understand what an oligonucleotide is. An oligonucleotide is a short strand of synthetic DNA or RNA (a nucleic-acid chain), usually consisting of up to approximately 20 nucleotides long—designed to bind with specific sequences in the body.

At n-Lorem, our ASO technology is built on more than 30 years of research, innovation, and investment. It’s uniquely suited for treating nano-rare diseases—ultra-rare genetic conditions that affect just one or a few individuals. The versatility and specificity of ASOs allow us to address a wide variety of gene mutations, creating customized therapies for each unique patient.

Compared to other traditional drug discovery platforms, discovering and developing an optimal ASO is inexpensive, quick and can be used to treat diseases that are caused by many different types of gene mutations. ASOs work by binding to target RNA, thereby modifying the expression of disease-causing proteins. This makes them exceptionally well-suited for treating diseases caused by rare or unique genetic mutations.

Intro to Medical Science Series YouTube Playlist

On This Episode We Discuss:

  • The repurposing of small molecule drugs
  • The promise and limitations of gene replacement therapies
  • What makes ASO drug development different—and specialized—for nano-rare diseases
  • A brief history of modern drug development
  • How regulatory frameworks evolved after medical disasters
  • The decentralization of the biotechnology industry
  • What challenges still lie ahead in genetic medicine

Watch on YouTube:

Terms used in this episode:

For definitions of terms, search our glossary.

The host of the show is Dr. Stanley Crooke, a scientist, a physician, an entrepreneur and the father of antisense technology. Dr. Crooke is responsible for driving the development of antisense or ASO technology, an RNA-targeted technology responsible for the commercialization of three best- and first-in class medicines and more than 40 drugs in development. In 2020, Stan formed n-Lorem to use this powerful technology to develop experimental personalized ASO medicines for nano-rare patients (1 to 30 patients worldwide) for free, for life.

Credits

Hosted by: Dr. Stan Crooke.
Videographer: Jon Magnuson of Mighty One Productions.
Producers: Kira Dineen, Jon Magnuson, Andrew Serrano and Amy Williford

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Antisense (How we do it at n-Lorem)

We cannot do
this alone

Together we are changing the world—
one patient at a time

We hope that you join us on this journey to discover, develop and provide individualized antisense medicines for free for life for nano-rare patients. The ultimate personalized medicine approach – for free, for life.

We need your support

Join us on our Corps of Discovery of the mind and heart. Help us bring hope and potential help to nano-rare patients today. For free, for life.

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