The promise of antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates for neurological diseases

Lauren Coyle, Launch Commissioning Editor, Bioconjugation Insights, speaks with Kerstin Hofer, Science and People Lead, Roche, about the evolving application of antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates in neurology. She highlights their design, delivery challenges across the blood–brain barrier, and potential to transform CNS diseases.

Chapters

• 1:07 What inspired your interest in exploring the translation of ADCs, which are traditionally oncology-focused, and moving them into this field?
• 4:37 Would you be able to give more details on how these AOCs differ from ADCs and what makes them particularly exciting for neurological applications?
• 6:55 One of the biggest challenges in treating brain disorders is the BBB. How are you and your team approaching the challenge of getting AOCs across this barrier, and are there particular delivery technologies or strategies that you have been excited about?
• 10:12 What do you think are the key design elements, such as conjugation techniques or linker chemistries, that impact success in AOC design and development?
• 14:38 Following on from this, what unique hurdles do AOCs face in the neurological space that perhaps aren't as prominent in oncology?
• 18:24 Finally, as the field of AOCs grows, what advancements or breakthroughs do you think are needed to fully unlock therapeutic potential in the brain?