Modulation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)expression

This application claims priority under 35 USC 119(e) to Provisional Patent Application No. 61/471,035, filed Apr. 1, 2011, Provisional Patent Application No. 61/471,001, filed Apr. 1, 2011, Provisional Patent Application No. 61/471,045, filed Apr. 1, 2011, Provisional Patent Application No. 61/471,015, filed Apr. 1, 2011, Provisional Patent Application No. 61/558,308, filed Nov. 10, 2011, and Provisional Patent Application No. 61/558,316, filed Nov. 10, 2011, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The present application is being filed along with a Sequence Listing in electronic format. The Sequence Listing is provided as a file entitled BIOL0142USSEQ.txt created Mar. 29, 2012 which is 672 Kb in size. The information in the electronic format of the sequence listing is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In certain embodiments provided are methods, compounds, and compositions for inhibiting expression of STAT3 mRNA and protein in an animal. Such methods, compounds, and compositions are useful to treat, prevent, or ameliorate hyperproliferative diseases.

The STAT (signal transducers and activators of transcription) family of proteins are DNA-binding proteins that play a dual role in signal transduction and activation of transcription. Presently, there are six distinct members of the STAT family (STAT1, STAT2, STAT3, STAT4, STAT5, and STAT6) and several isoforms (STAT1α, STAT1β, STAT3 α and STAT3β). The activities of the STATs are modulated by various cytokines and mitogenic stimuli. Binding of a cytokine to its receptor results in the activation of Janus protein tyrosine kinases (JAKs) associated with these receptors. This phosphorylates STAT, resulting in translocation to the nucleus and transcriptional activation of STAT responsive genes. Phosphorylation on a specific tyrosine residue on the STATs results in their activation, resulting in the formation of homodimers and/or heterodimers of STAT which bind to specific gene promoter sequences. Events mediated by cytokines through STAT activation include cell proliferation and differentiation and prevention of apoptosis.

The specificity of STAT activation is due to specific cytokines, i.e., each STAT is responsive to a small number of specific cytokines. Other non-cytokine signaling molecules, such as growth factors, have also been found to activate STATs. Binding of these factors to a cell surface receptor associated with protein tyrosine kinase also results in phosphorylation of STAT.

STAT3 (also acute phase response factor (APRF)), in particular, has been found to be responsive to interleukin-6 (IL-6) as well as epidermal growth factor (EGF) (Darnell, Jr., J. E., et al., Science, 1994, 264, 1415-1421). In addition, STAT3 has been found to have an important role in signal transduction by interferons (Yang, C.-H., et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 1998, 95, 5568-5572). Evidence exists suggesting that STAT3 may be regulated by the MAPK pathway. ERK2 induces serine phosphorylation and also associates with STAT3 (Jain, N., et al., Oncogene, 1998, 17, 3157-3167).

STAT3 is expressed in most cell types (Thong, Z., et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 1994, 91, 4806-4810). It induces the expression of genes involved in response to tissue injury and inflammation. STAT3 has also been shown to prevent apoptosis through the expression of bcl-2 (Fukada, T., et al., Immunity, 1996, 5, 449-460).

Recently, STAT3 was detected in the mitochondria of transformed cells, and was shown to facilitate glycolytic and oxidative phosphorylation activities similar to that of cancer cells (Gough, D. J., et al., Science, 2009, 324, 1713-1716). The inhibition of STAT3 in the mitochondria impaired malignant transformation by activated Ras. The data confirms a Ras-mediated transformation function for STAT3 in the mitochondria in addition to its nuclear roles.

Aberrant expression of or constitutive expression of STAT3 is associated with a number of disease processes.

Provided herein are methods, compounds, and compositions for modulating expression of STAT3 mRNA and protein. In certain embodiments, compounds useful for modulating expression of STAT3 mRNA and protein are antisense compounds. In certain embodiments, the antisense compounds are antisense oligonucleotides.

In certain embodiments, modulation can occur in a cell or tissue. In certain embodiments, the cell or tissue is in an animal. In certain embodiments, the animal is a human. In certain embodiments, STAT3 mRNA levels are reduced. In certain embodiments, STAT3 protein levels are reduced. Such reduction can occur in a time-dependent manner or in a dose-dependent manner.

Also provided are methods, compounds, and compositions useful for preventing, treating, and ameliorating diseases, disorders, and conditions. In certain embodiments, such diseases, disorders, and conditions are hyperproliferative diseases, disorders, and conditions. In certain embodiments such hyperproliferative diseases, disorders, and conditions include cancer as well as associated malignancies and metastases. In certain embodiments, such cancers include lung cancer, including non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, multiple myeloma, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), glioblastoma, ovarian cancer, osteosarcoma, head and neck cancer, breast cancer, epidermoid carcinomas, intestinal adenomas, prostate cancer, and gastric cancer.

Such diseases, disorders, and conditions can have one or more risk factors, causes, or outcomes in common. Certain risk factors and causes for development of a hyperproliferative disease include growing older; tobacco use; exposure to sunlight and ionizing radiation; contact with certain chemicals; infection with certain viruses and bacteria; certain hormone therapies; family history of cancer; alcohol use; and certain lifestyle choices including poor diet, lack of physical activity, and/or being overweight. Certain symptoms and outcomes associated with development of a hyperproliferative disease include a thickening or lump in the breast or any other part of the body; a new mole or a change in an existing mole; a sore that does not heal; hoarseness or a cough that does not go away; changes in bowel or bladder habits; discomfort after eating; difficulty in swallowing; unexplained weight gain or loss; unusual bleeding or discharge; fatigue; metastasis of one or more tumors throughout the body; cardiovascular complications, including, cardiac arrest and stroke; and death.

In certain embodiments, methods of treatment include administering a STAT3 antisense compound to an individual in need thereof. In certain embodiments, methods of treatment include administering a STAT3 antisense oligonucleotide to an individual in need thereof.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. Herein, the use of the singular includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise. As used herein, the use of “or” means “and/or” unless stated otherwise. Furthermore, the use of the term “including” as well as other forms, such as “includes” and “included”, is not limiting. Also, terms such as “element” or “component” encompass both elements and components comprising one unit and elements and components that comprise more than one subunit, unless specifically stated otherwise.

The section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described. All documents, or portions of documents, cited in this application, including, but not limited to, patents, patent applications, articles, books, and treatises, are hereby expressly incorporated by reference for the portions of the document discussed herein, as well as in their entirety.

Unless specific definitions are provided, the nomenclature utilized in connection with, and the procedures and techniques of, analytical chemistry, synthetic organic chemistry, and medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry described herein are those well known and commonly used in the art. Standard techniques may be used for chemical synthesis, and chemical analysis. Where permitted, all patents, applications, published applications and other publications, GENBANK Accession Numbers and associated sequence information obtainable through databases such as National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and other data referred to throughout in the disclosure herein are incorporated by reference for the portions of the document discussed herein, as well as in their entirety.

Unless otherwise indicated, the following terms have the following meanings:

“2′-deoxynucleoside” means a nucleoside comprising 2′-H furanosyl sugar moiety, as found naturally occurring in deoxyribonucleosides (DNA). In certain embodiments, a 2′-deoxynucleoside may comprise a modified nucleobase or may comprise an RNA nucleobase (e.g., uracil).

“2′-O-methoxyethyl” (also 2′-MOE and 2′-O(CH 2 ) 2 —OCH 3 ) refers to an O-methoxy-ethyl modification of the 2′ position of a furosyl ring. A 2′-O-methoxyethyl modified sugar is a modified sugar.

“2′-MOE nucleoside” (also 2′-O-methoxyethyl nucleoside) means a nucleoside comprising a 2′-MOE modified sugar moiety.

“2′-substituted nucleoside” means a nucleoside comprising a substituent at the 2′-position other than H or OH. Unless otherwise indicated, a 2′-substituted nucleoside is not a bicyclic nucleoside.

“5′-methylcytosine” means a cytosine modified with a methyl group attached to the 5′ position. A 5-methylcytosine is a modified nucleobase.

“About” means within ±10% of a value. For example, if it is stated, “the compounds affected at least about 70% inhibition of STAT3”, it is implied that the STAT3 levels are inhibited within a range of 63% and 77%.

“Active pharmaceutical agent” means the substance or substances in a pharmaceutical composition that provide a therapeutic benefit when administered to an individual. For example, in certain embodiments an antisense oligonucleotide targeted to STAT3 is an active pharmaceutical agent.

“Active target region” or “target region” means a region to which one or more active antisense compounds is targeted. “Active antisense compounds” means antisense compounds that reduce target nucleic acid levels or protein levels.

“Administered concomitantly” refers to the co-administration of two agents in any manner in which the pharmacological effects of both are manifest in the patient at the same time. Concomitant administration does not require that both agents be administered in a single pharmaceutical composition, in the same dosage form, or by the same route of administration. The effects of both agents need not manifest themselves at the same time. The effects need only be overlapping for a period of time and need not be coextensive.

“Administering” means providing a pharmaceutical agent to an individual, and includes, but is not limited to administering by a medical professional and self-administering.

“Amelioration” refers to a lessening of at least one indicator, sign, or symptom of an associated disease, disorder, or condition. The severity of indicators may be determined by subjective or objective measures, which are known to those skilled in the art.

“Animal” refers to a human or non-human animal, including, but not limited to, mice, rats, rabbits, dogs, cats, pigs, and non-human primates, including, but not limited to, monkeys and chimpanzees.

“Antibody” refers to a molecule characterized by reacting specifically with an antigen in some way, where the antibody and the antigen are each defined in terms of the other. Antibody may refer to a complete antibody molecule or any fragment or region thereof, such as the heavy chain, the light chain, Fab region, and Fc region.

“Antisense activity” means any detectable or measurable activity attributable to the hybridization of an antisense compound to its target nucleic acid. In certain embodiments, antisense activity is a decrease in the amount or expression of a target nucleic acid or protein encoded by such target nucleic acid.

“Antisense compound” means an oligomeric compound that is capable of undergoing hybridization to a target nucleic acid through hydrogen bonding. Examples of antisense compounds include single-stranded and double-stranded compounds, such as, antisense oligonucleotides, siRNAs, shRNAs, snoRNAs, miRNAs, and satellite repeats.

“Antisense inhibition” means reduction of target nucleic acid levels or target protein levels in the presence of an antisense compound complementary to a target nucleic acid as compared to target nucleic acid levels or target protein levels in the absence of the antisense compound.

“Antisense oligonucleotide” means a single-stranded oligonucleotide having a nucleobase sequence that permits hybridization to a corresponding region or segment of a target nucleic acid.

“Bicyclic sugar” means a furosyl ring modified by the bridging of two atoms. A bicyclic sugar is a modified sugar.

“Bicyclic nucleoside” (also BNA) means a nucleoside having a sugar moiety comprising a bridge connecting two carbon atoms of the sugar ring, thereby forming a bicyclic ring system. In certain embodiments, the bridge connects the 4′-carbon and the 2′-carbon of the sugar ring.

“Cap structure” or “terminal cap moiety” means chemical modifications, which have been incorporated at either terminus of an antisense compound.

“cEt” or “constrained ethyl” means a bicyclic nucleoside having a sugar moiety comprising a bridge connecting the 4′-carbon and the 2′-carbon, wherein the bridge has the formula: 4′-CH(CH 3 )—O-2′.

“Constrained ethyl nucleoside” (also cEt nucleoside) means a nucleoside comprising a bicyclic sugar moiety comprising a 4′-CH(CH 3 )—O-2′ bridge.

“Chemically distinct region” refers to a region of an antisense compound that is in some way chemically different than another region of the same antisense compound. For example, a region having 2′-O-methoxyethyl nucleotides is chemically distinct from a region having nucleotides without 2′-O-methoxyethyl modifications.

“Chimeric antisense compound” means an antisense compound that has at least two chemically distinct regions.

“Co-administration” means administration of two or more pharmaceutical agents to an individual.

The two or more pharmaceutical agents may be in a single pharmaceutical composition, or may be in separate pharmaceutical compositions. Each of the two or more pharmaceutical agents may be administered through the same or different routes of administration. Co-administration encompasses parallel or sequential administration.

“Complementarity” means the capacity for pairing between nucleobases of a first nucleic acid and a second nucleic acid.

“Contiguous nucleobases” means nucleobases immediately adjacent to each other.

“Diluent” means an ingredient in a composition that lacks pharmacological activity, but is pharmaceutically necessary or desirable. For example, the diluent in an injected composition may be a liquid, e.g. saline solution.

“Dose” means a specified quantity of a pharmaceutical agent provided in a single administration, or in a specified time period. In certain embodiments, a dose may be administered in one, two, or more boluses, tablets, or injections. For example, in certain embodiments where subcutaneous administration is desired, the desired dose requires a volume not easily accommodated by a single injection, therefore, two or more injections may be used to achieve the desired dose. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical agent is administered by infusion over an extended period of time or continuously. Doses may be stated as the amount of pharmaceutical agent per hour, day, week, or month.

“Effective amount” means the amount of active pharmaceutical agent sufficient to effectuate a desired physiological outcome in an individual in need of the agent. The effective amount may vary among individuals depending on the health and physical condition of the individual to be treated, the taxonomic group of the individuals to be treated, the formulation of the composition, assessment of the individual's medical condition, and other relevant factors.

“Fully complementary” or “100% complementary” means each nucleobase of a first nucleic acid has a complementary nucleobase in a second nucleic acid. In certain embodiments, a first nucleic acid is an antisense compound and a target nucleic acid is a second nucleic acid.

“Gapmer” means a chimeric antisense compound in which an internal region having a plurality of nucleosides that support RNase H cleavage is positioned between external regions having one or more nucleosides, wherein the nucleosides comprising the internal region are chemically distinct from the nucleoside or nucleosides comprising the external regions. The internal region may be referred to as the “gap” and the external regions may be referred to as the “wings.”

“Gap-widened” means a chimeric antisense compound having a gap segment of 12 or more contiguous 2′-deoxyribonucleosides positioned between and immediately adjacent to 5′ and 3′ wing segments having from one to six nucleosides.

“Hybridization” means the annealing of complementary nucleic acid molecules. In certain embodiments, complementary nucleic acid molecules include an antisense compound and a target nucleic acid.

“Hyperproliferative disease” means a disease characterized by rapid or excessive growth and reproduction of cells. Examples of hyperproliferative diseases include cancer, e.g., carcinomas, sarcomas, lymphomas, and leukemias as well as associated malignancies and metastases.

“Identifying an animal at risk for hyperproliferative disease” means identifying an animal having been diagnosed with a hyperproliferative disease or identifying an animal predisposed to develop a hyperproliferative disease. Individuals predisposed to develop a hyperproliferative disease include those having one or more risk factors for hyperproliferative disease including older age; history of other hyperproliferative diseases; history of tobacco use; history of exposure to sunlight and/or ionizing radiation; prior contact with certain chemicals, especially continuous contact; past or current infection with certain viruses and bacteria; prior or current use of certain hormone therapies; genetic predisposition; alcohol use; and certain lifestyle choices including poor diet, lack of physical activity, and/or being overweight. Such identification may be accomplished by any method including evaluating an individual's medical history and standard clinical tests or assessments.

“Immediately adjacent” means there are no intervening elements between the immediately adjacent elements.

“Inhibiting STAT3” means reducing expression of STAT3 mRNA and/or protein levels in the presence of a STAT3 antisense compound, including a STAT3 antisense oligonucleotide, as compared to expression of STAT3 mRNA and/or protein levels in the absence of a STAT3 antisense compound, such as an antisense oligonucleotide.

“Individual” means a human or non-human animal selected for treatment or therapy.

“Internucleoside linkage” refers to the chemical bond between nucleosides.

“Linked nucleosides” means adjacent nucleosides which are bonded together.

“Mismatch” or “non-complementary nucleobase” refers to the case when a nucleobase of a first nucleic acid is not capable of pairing with the corresponding nucleobase of a second or target nucleic acid.

“Modified internucleoside linkage” refers to a substitution or any change from a naturally occurring internucleoside bond (i.e. a phosphodiester internucleoside bond).

“Modified nucleobase” refers to any nucleobase other than adenine, cytosine, guanine, thymidine, or uracil. An “unmodified nucleobase” means the purine bases adenine (A) and guanine (G), and the pyrimidine bases thymine (T), cytosine (C), and uracil (U).

“Modified nucleotide” means a nucleotide having, independently, a modified sugar moiety, modified internucleoside linkage, or modified nucleobase. A “modified nucleoside” means a nucleoside having, independently, a modified sugar moiety or modified nucleobase.

“Modified oligonucleotide” means an oligonucleotide comprising a modified internucleoside linkage, a modified sugar, and/or a modified nucleobase.

“Modified sugar” refers to a substitution or change from a natural sugar.

“Motif” means the pattern of chemically distinct regions in an antisense compound.

“Naturally occurring internucleoside linkage” means a 3′ to 5′ phosphodiester linkage.

“Natural sugar moiety” means a sugar found in DNA (2′-H) or RNA (2′-OH).

“Nucleic acid” refers to molecules composed of monomeric nucleotides. A nucleic acid includes ribonucleic acids (RNA), deoxyribonucleic acids (DNA), single-stranded nucleic acids, double-stranded nucleic acids, small interfering ribonucleic acids (siRNA), and microRNAs (miRNA).

“Nucleobase” means a heterocyclic moiety capable of pairing with a base of another nucleic acid.

“Nucleobase sequence” means the order of contiguous nucleobases independent of any sugar, linkage, or nucleobase modification.

“Nucleoside” means a nucleobase linked to a sugar.

“Nucleoside mimetic” includes those structures used to replace the sugar or the sugar and the base and not necessarily the linkage at one or more positions of an oligomeric compound such as for example nucleoside mimetics having morpholino, cyclohexenyl, cyclohexyl, tetrahydropyranyl, bicyclo or tricyclo sugar mimetics, e.g., non furanose sugar units. Nucleotide mimetic includes those structures used to replace the nucleoside and the linkage at one or more positions of an oligomeric compound such as for example peptide nucleic acids or morpholinos (morpholinos linked by —N(H)—C(═O)—O— or other non-phosphodiester linkage). Sugar surrogate overlaps with the slightly broader term nucleoside mimetic but is intended to indicate replacement of the sugar unit (furanose ring) only. The tetrahydropyranyl rings provided herein are illustrative of an example of a sugar surrogate wherein the furanose sugar group has been replaced with a tetrahydropyranyl ring system.

“Nucleotide” means a nucleoside having a phosphate group covalently linked to the sugar portion of the nucleoside.

“Off-target effect” refers to an unwanted or deleterious biological effect associated with modulation of RNA or protein expression of a gene other than the intended target nucleic acid.

“Oligomeric compound” or “oligomer” means a polymer of linked monomeric subunits which is capable of hybridizing to at least a region of a nucleic acid molecule.

“Oligonucleotide” means a polymer of linked nucleosides each of which can be modified or unmodified, independent one from another.

“Parenteral administration” means administration through injection (e.g., bolus injection) or infusion. Parenteral administration includes subcutaneous administration, intravenous administration, intramuscular administration, intraarterial administration, intraperitoneal administration, or intracranial administration, e.g., intrathecal or intracerebroventricular administration.

“Peptide” means a molecule formed by linking at least two amino acids by amide bonds. Peptide refers to polypeptides and proteins.

“Pharmaceutical composition” means a mixture of substances suitable for administering to an individual. For example, a pharmaceutical composition may comprise one or more active pharmaceutical agents and a sterile aqueous solution. In certain embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition shows activity in free uptake assay in certain cell lines.

“Pharmaceutically acceptable derivative” encompasses pharmaceutically acceptable salts, conjugates, prodrugs or isomers of the compounds described herein.

“Pharmaceutically acceptable salts” means physiologically and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of antisense compounds, i.e., salts that retain the desired biological activity of the parent oligonucleotide and do not impart undesired toxicological effects thereto.

“Phosphorothioate linkage” means a linkage between nucleosides where the phosphodiester bond is modified by replacing one of the non-bridging oxygen atoms with a sulfur atom. A phosphorothioate linkage (P═S) is a modified internucleoside linkage.

“Portion” means a defined number of contiguous (i.e., linked) nucleobases of a nucleic acid. In certain embodiments, a portion is a defined number of contiguous nucleobases of a target nucleic acid. In certain embodiments, a portion is a defined number of contiguous nucleobases of an antisense compound.

“Prevent” refers to delaying or forestalling the onset or development of a disease, disorder, or condition for a period of time from minutes to indefinitely. Prevent also means reducing risk of developing a disease, disorder, or condition.

“Prodrug” means a therapeutic agent that is prepared in an inactive form that is converted to an active form within the body or cells thereof by the action of endogenous enzymes or other chemicals or conditions.

“Side effects” means physiological responses attributable to a treatment other than the desired effects.

In certain embodiments, side effects include injection site reactions, liver function test abnormalities, renal function abnormalities, liver toxicity, renal toxicity, central nervous system abnormalities, myopathies, and malaise. For example, increased aminotransferase levels in serum may indicate liver toxicity or liver function abnormality. For example, increased bilirubin may indicate liver toxicity or liver function abnormality.

“Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 nucleic acid” or “STAT3 nucleic acid” means any nucleic acid encoding STAT3. For example, in certain embodiments, a STAT3 nucleic acid includes a DNA sequence encoding STAT3, an RNA sequence transcribed from DNA encoding STAT3 (including genomic DNA comprising introns and exons), and an mRNA sequence encoding STAT3. “STAT3 mRNA” means an mRNA encoding a STAT3 protein.

“Single-stranded oligonucleotide” means an oligonucleotide which is not hybridized to a complementary strand.

“Specifically hybridizable” refers to an antisense compound having a sufficient degree of complementarity between an antisense oligonucleotide and a target nucleic acid to induce a desired effect, while exhibiting minimal or no effects on non-target nucleic acids under conditions in which specific binding is desired, i.e., under physiological conditions in the case of in vivo assays and therapeutic treatments.

“Targeting” or “targeted” means the process of design and selection of an antisense compound that will specifically hybridize to a target nucleic acid and induce a desired effect.

“Target nucleic acid,” “target RNA,” “target mRNA,” and “target RNA transcript” all refer to a nucleic acid capable of being targeted by antisense compounds.

“Target segment” means the sequence of nucleotides of a target nucleic acid to which an antisense compound is targeted. “5′ target site” refers to the 5′-most nucleotide of a target segment. “3′ target site” refers to the 3′-most nucleotide of a target segment.

“Therapeutically effective amount” means an amount of a pharmaceutical agent that provides a therapeutic benefit to an individual.

“Treat” refers to administering a pharmaceutical composition to effect an alteration or improvement of a disease, disorder, or condition.

“Unmodified nucleotide” means a nucleotide composed of naturally occurring nucleobases, sugar moieties, and internucleoside linkages. In certain embodiments, an unmodified nucleotide is an RNA nucleotide (i.e. β-D-ribonucleosides) or a DNA nucleotide (i.e. β-D-deoxyribonucleoside).

Certain Embodiments

In certain embodiments provided are methods, compounds, and compositions for inhibiting STAT3 mRNA or protein expression.

In certain embodiments provided are methods for preventing tumor growth and tumor volume. In certain embodiments provided are methods for reducing tumor growth and tumor volume.

In certain embodiments provided are methods, compounds, and compositions for the treatment, prevention, or amelioration of diseases, disorders, and conditions associated with STAT3 in an individual in need thereof. Also contemplated are methods and compounds for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment, prevention, or amelioration of a disease, disorder, or condition associated with STAT3. STAT3 associated diseases, disorders, and conditions include hyperproliferative diseases, e.g., cancer, carcinomas, sarcomas, lymphomas, and leukemias as well as associated malignancies and metastases.

In certain embodiments provided are STAT3 antisense compounds for use in treating, preventing, or ameliorating a STAT3 associated disease. In certain embodiments, STAT3 antisense compounds are STAT3 antisense oligonucleotides, which are capable of inhibiting the expression of STAT3 mRNA and/or STAT3 protein in a cell, tissue, or animal.

In certain embodiments provided are a STAT3 antisense compound as described herein for use in treating or preventing lung cancer, including non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, multiple myeloma, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), glioblastoma, ovarian cancer, osteosarcoma, head and neck cancer, breast cancer, epidermoid carcinomas, intestinal adenomas, prostate cancer, and gastric cancer.

In certain embodiments provided are a STAT3 antisense compound as described herein for use in treating or preventing cancer from metastasizing.

In certain embodiments provided are a STAT3 antisense compound, as described herein, for use in treating, preventing, or ameliorating hyperproliferative diseases, e.g., cancer, carcinomas, sarcomas, lymphomas, and leukemias as well as associated malignancies and metastases.

In certain embodiments provided are antisense compounds targeted to a STAT3 nucleic acid. In certain embodiments, the STAT3 nucleic acid is any of the sequences set forth in GENBANK Accession No. NM — 139276.2 (incorporated herein as SEQ ID NO: 1) or the complement of GENBANK Accession No. NT — 010755.14 truncated from nucleotides 4185000 to 4264000 (incorporated herein as SEQ ID NO: 2).

In certain embodiments, the antisense compounds provided herein are targeted to any one of the following regions of SEQ ID NO 1: 250-286; 250-285; 264-285; 264-282; 728-745; 729-745; 729-744; 787-803; 867-883; 955-978; 1146-1170; 1896-1920; 1899-1920; 1899-1919; 1899-1918; 1899-1916; 1901-1916; 1946-1963; 1947-1963; 2155-2205; 2155-2187; 2156-2179; 2204-2221; 2681-2696; 2699-2716; 3001-3033; 3008-3033, 3010-3033, 3010-3032, 3015-3033, 3015-3032, 3015-3031, 3016-3033, 3016-3032, 3016-3033; 3452-3499; 3460-3476; 3583-3608; 3591-3616; 3595-3615; 3595-3614; 3595-3612; 3675-3706; 3713-3790; 3715-3735; 3833-3878; 3889-3932; 3977-4012; 4067-4100; 4225-4256; 4234-4252; 4235-4252; 4235-4251; 4236-4252; 4306-4341; 4431-4456; 4439-4454; 4471-4510; 4488-4505; 4530-4558; 4539-4572; 4541-4558; 4636-4801; 4782-4796; 4800-4823; 4811-4847; 4813-4859; 4813-4815; 4813-4831; 4827-4859; 4827-4844; 4842-4859.

In certain embodiments, the antisense compounds provided herein are complementary within any one of the following regions of SEQ ID NO 1: 250-286; 250-285; 264-285; 264-282; 728-745; 729-745; 729-744; 787-803; 867-883; 955-978; 1146-1170; 1896-1920; 1899-1920; 1899-1919; 1899-1918; 1899-1916; 1901-1916; 1946-1963; 1947-1963; 2155-2205; 2155-2187; 2156-2179; 2204-2221; 2681-2696; 2699-2716; 3001-3033; 3008-3033, 3010-3033, 3010-3032, 3015-3033, 3015-3032, 3015-3031, 3016-3033, 3016-3032, 3016-3033; 3452-3499; 3460-3476; 3583-3608; 3591-3616; 3595-3615; 3595-3614; 3595-3612; 3675-3706; 3713-3790; 3715-3735; 3833-3878; 3889-3932; 3977-4012; 4067-4100; 4225-4256; 4234-4252; 4235-4252; 4235-4251; 4236-4252; 4306-4341; 4431-4456; 4439-4454; 4471-4510; 4488-4505; 4530-4558; 4539-4572; 4541-4558; 4636-4801; 4782-4796; 4800-4823; 4811-4847; 4813-4859; 4813-4815; 4813-4831; 4827-4859; 4827-4844; 4842-4859. In certain embodiments, provided are compounds comprising:

a modified antisense oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 22 linked nucleosides, wherein the modified antisense oligonucleotide comprises: a 5′-wing consisting of 1 to 5 linked nucleosides; a 3′-wing consisting of 1 to 5 linked nucleosides; a gap between the 5′-wing and the 3′-wing consisting of 8 to 12 linked 2′-deoxynucleosides; and wherein at least one of the 5′-wing and the 3′-wing comprises at least one bicyclic nucleoside or 2′-substituted nucleoside; wherein the nucleobase sequence of the modified antisense oligonucleotide is complementary to an equal length portion of any of nucleobases 250-286; 250-285; 264-285; 264-282; 728-745; 729-745; 729-744; 787-803; 867-883; 955-978; 1146-1170; 1896-1920; 1899-1920; 1899-1919; 1899-1918; 1899-1916; 1901-1916; 1946-1963; 1947-1963; 2155-2205; 2155-2187; 2156-2179; 2204-2221; 2681-2696; 2699-2716; 3001-3033; 3008-3033, 3010-3033, 3010-3032, 3015-3033, 3015-3032, 3015-3031, 3016-3033, 3016-3032, 3016-3033; 3452-3499; 3460-3476; 3583-3608; 3591-3616; 3595-3615; 3595-3614; 3595-3612; 3675-3706; 3713-3790; 3715-3735; 3833-3878; 3889-3932; 3977-4012; 4067-4100; 4225-4256; 4234-4252; 4235-4252; 4235-4251; 4236-4252; 4306-4341; 4431-4456; 4439-4454; 4471-4510; 4488-4505; 4530-4558; 4539-4572; 4541-4558; 4636-4801; 4782-4796; 4800-4823; 4811-4847; 4813-4859; 4813-4815; 4813-4831; 4827-4859; 4827-4844; 4842-4859 of the nucleobase sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In certain embodiments, the antisense compounds provided herein are targeted to any one of the following regions of SEQ ID NO 2: 2668-2688; 2703-2720; 5000-5021; 5001-5017; 5697-5722; 5699-5716; 6475-6490; 6475-6491; 6476-6491; 7682-7705; 8078-8097; 8079-8095; 9862-9811; 9870-9897; 9875-9893; 9875-9891; 9877-9893; 11699-11719; 12342-12366; 12345-12364; 12346-12364; 12347-12364; 12353-12380; 12357-12376; 12358-12376; 12358-12373; 12360-12376; 14128-14148; 16863-16883; 46091-46111; 50692-50709; 50693-50709; 50693-50708; 61325-61349; 66133-66157; 66136-66157; 66136-66155; 66136-66153; 66138-66153; 66184-66200; 67067-67083; 4171-74220; 74199-74220; 74202-74220; 74171-74219; 74199-74219; 74202-74219; 74171-74218; 74199-74218; 74202-74218; 74723-74768; 74764-74803; 74782-74802; 74782-74801; 74782-74800; 74782-74799; 74783-74802; 74783-74801; 74783-74800; 74783-74799; 74862-74893; 74900-74977; 74902-74922; 74902-74920; 75070-75119; 75164-75199; 75254-75287; 75412-75443; 75421-75439; 75422-75439; 75422-75438; 75423-75439; 75423-75438; 75493-75528; 75616-75643; 75626-75641; 75658-75699; 75676-75692; 75717-75745; 75726-75759; 75726-75745; 75727-75745; 75728-75745; 75831-75988; 75852-75969; 75969-75984; 75987-76056; 76000-76046; 76000-76032; 76000-76018; 76014-76046; 76014-76032; 76029-76046; and 76031-76046.

In certain embodiments, the antisense compounds provided herein are complementary within any one of the following regions of SEQ ID NO 2: 2668-2688; 2703-2720; 5000-5021; 5001-5017; 5697-5722; 5699-5716; 6475-6490; 6475-6491; 6476-6491; 7682-7705; 8078-8097; 8079-8095; 9862-9811; 9870-9897; 9875-9893; 9875-9891; 9877-9893; 11699-11719; 12342-12366; 12345-12364; 12346-12364; 12347-12364; 12353-12380; 12357-12376; 12358-12376; 12358-12373; 12360-12376; 14128-14148; 16863-16883; 46091-46111; 50692-50709; 50693-50709; 50693-50708; 61325-61349; 66133-66157; 66136-66157; 66136-66155; 66136-66153; 66138-66153; 66184-66200; 67067-67083; 4171-74220; 74199-74220; 74202-74220; 74171-74219; 74199-74219; 74202-74219; 74171-74218; 74199-74218; 74202-74218; 74723-74768; 74764-74803; 74782-74802; 74782-74801; 74782-74800; 74782-74799; 74783-74802; 74783-74801; 74783-74800; 74783-74799; 74862-74893; 74900-74977; 74902-74922; 74902-74920; 75070-75119; 75164-75199; 75254-75287; 75412-75443; 75421-75439; 75422-75439; 75422-75438; 75423-75439; 75423-75438; 75493-75528; 75616-75643; 75626-75641; 75658-75699; 75676-75692; 75717-75745; 75726-75759; 75726-75745; 75727-75745; 75728-75745; 75831-75988; 75852-75969; 75969-75984; 75987-76056; 76000-76046; 76000-76032; 76000-76018; 76014-76046; 76014-76032; 76029-76046; and 76031-76046.

In certain embodiments, provided are compounds comprising:

a modified antisense oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 22 linked nucleosides, wherein the modified antisense oligonucleotide comprises: a 5′-wing consisting of 1 to 5 linked nucleosides; a 3′-wing consisting of 1 to 5 linked nucleosides; a gap between the 5′-wing and the 3′-wing consisting of 8 to 12 linked 2′-deoxynucleosides; and wherein at least one of the 5′-wing and the 3′-wing comprises at least one bicyclic nucleoside or 2′-substituted nucleoside; wherein the nucleobase sequence of the modified antisense oligonucleotide is complementary to an equal length portion of any of nucleobases 2668-2688; 2703-2720; 5000-5021; 5001-5017; 5697-5722; 5699-5716; 6475-6490; 6475-6491; 6476-6491; 7682-7705; 8078-8097; 8079-8095; 9862-9811; 9870-9897; 9875-9893; 9875-9891; 9877-9893; 11699-11719; 12342-12366; 12345-12364; 12346-12364; 12347-12364; 12353-12380; 12357-12376; 12358-12376; 12358-12373; 12360-12376; 14128-14148; 16863-16883; 46091-46111; 50692-50709; 50693-50709; 50693-50708; 61325-61349; 66133-66157; 66136-66157; 66136-66155; 66136-66153; 66138-66153; 66184-66200; 67067-67083; 4171-74220; 74199-74220; 74202-74220; 74171-74219; 74199-74219; 74202-74219; 74171-74218; 74199-74218; 74202-74218; 74723-74768; 74764-74803; 74782-74802; 74782-74801; 74782-74800; 74782-74799; 74783-74802; 74783-74801; 74783-74800; 74783-74799; 74862-74893; 74900-74977; 74902-74922; 74902-74920; 75070-75119; 75164-75199; 75254-75287; 75412-75443; 75421-75439; 75422-75439; 75422-75438; 75423-75439; 75423-75438; 75493-75528; 75616-75643; 75626-75641; 75658-75699; 75676-75692; 75717-75745; 75726-75759; 75726-75745; 75727-75745; 75728-75745; 75831-75988; 75852-75969; 75969-75984; 75987-76056; 76000-76046; 76000-76032; 76000-76018; 76014-76046; 76014-76032; 76029-76046; and 76031-76046 of the nucleobase sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2.

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 30 linked nucleosides having a nucleobase sequence comprising a portion of at least 12 contiguous nucleobases complementary to an equal length portion of nucleobases 3008 to 3033 of SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the nucleobase sequence is complementary to SEQ ID NO: 1.

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 30 linked nucleosides having a nucleobase sequence comprising a portion of at least 12 contiguous nucleobases complementary to an equal length portion of nucleobases 3016 to 3031 of SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the nucleobase sequence is complementary to SEQ ID NO: 1.

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 30 linked nucleosides having a nucleobase sequence comprising a portion of at least 12 contiguous nucleobases complementary to an equal length portion of nucleobases 6476 to 6491 of SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein the nucleobase sequence is complementary to SEQ ID NO: 2.

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 30 linked nucleosides having a nucleobase sequence comprising a portion of at least 12 contiguous nucleobases complementary to an equal length portion of nucleobases 250-286; 250-285; 264-285; 264-282; 728-745; 729-745; 729-744; 787-803; 867-883; 955-978; 1146-1170; 1896-1920; 1899-1920; 1899-1919; 1899-1918; 1899-1916; 1901-1916; 1946-1963; 1947-1963; 2155-2205; 2155-2187; 2156-2179; 2204-2221; 2681-2696; 2699-2716; 3001-3033; 3008-3033, 3010-3033, 3010-3032, 3015-3033, 3015-3032, 3015-3031, 3016-3033, 3016-3032, 3016-3033; 3452-3499; 3460-3476; 3583-3608; 3591-3616; 3595-3615; 3595-3614; 3595-3612; 3675-3706; 3713-3790; 3715-3735; 3833-3878; 3889-3932; 3977-4012; 4067-4100; 4225-4256; 4234-4252; 4235-4252; 4235-4251; 4236-4252; 4306-4341; 4431-4456; 4439-4454; 4471-4510; 4488-4505; 4530-4558; 4539-4572; 4541-4558; 4636-4801; 4782-4796; 4800-4823; 4811-4847; 4813-4859; 4813-4815; 4813-4831; 4827-4859; 4827-4844; or 4842-4859 of SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the nucleobase sequence of the modified oligonucleotide is complementary to SEQ ID NO: 1.

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 30 linked nucleosides having a nucleobase sequence comprising a portion of at least 12 contiguous nucleobases complementary to an equal length portion of nucleobases 2668-2688; 2703-2720; 5000-5021; 5001-5017; 5697-5722; 5699-5716; 6475-6490; 6475-6491; 6476-6491; 7682-7705; 8078-8097; 8079-8095; 9862-9811; 9870-9897; 9875-9893; 9875-9891; 9877-9893; 11699-11719; 12342-12366; 12345-12364; 12346-12364; 12347-12364; 12353-12380; 12357-12376; 12358-12376; 12358-12373; 12360-12376; 14128-14148; 16863-16883; 46091-46111; 50692-50709; 50693-50709; 50693-50708; 61325-61349; 66133-66157; 66136-66157; 66136-66155; 66136-66153; 66138-66153; 66184-66200; 67067-67083; 4171-74220; 74199-74220; 74202-74220; 74171-74219; 74199-74219; 74202-74219; 74171-74218; 74199-74218; 74202-74218; 74723-74768; 74764-74803; 74782-74802; 74782-74801; 74782-74800; 74782-74799; 74783-74802; 74783-74801; 74783-74800; 74783-74799; 74862-74893; 74900-74977; 74902-74922; 74902-74920; 75070-75119; 75164-75199; 75254-75287; 75412-75443; 75421-75439; 75422-75439; 75422-75438; 75423-75439; 75423-75438; 75493-75528; 75616-75643; 75626-75641; 75658-75699; 75676-75692; 75717-75745; 75726-75759; 75726-75745; 75727-75745; 75728-75745; 75831-75988; 75852-75969; 75969-75984; 75987-76056; 76000-76046; 76000-76032; 76000-76018; 76014-76046; 76014-76032; 76029-76046; or 76031-76046 of SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein the nucleobase sequence of the modified oligonucleotide is complementary to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In certain embodiments, the nucleobase sequence of the modified oligonucleotide comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 245.

In certain embodiments, the nucleobase sequence of the modified oligonucleotide consists of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 245.

In certain embodiments, the nucleobase sequence of the modified oligonucleotide comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 413.

In certain embodiments, the nucleobase sequence of the modified oligonucleotide consists of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 413.

In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide is 100% complementary to SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2.

In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide consists of a single-stranded modified oligonucleotide.

In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide has at least one modified internucleoside linkage.

In certain embodiments, each internucleoside linkage is a phosphorothioate internucleoside linkage.

In certain embodiments, at least one nucleoside comprises a modified sugar.

In certain embodiments, at least one modified sugar is a bicyclic sugar.

In certain embodiments, the bicyclic sugar comprises a 4′-CH 2 —O-2′ bridge.

In certain embodiments, the bicyclic sugar comprises a 4′-CH(CH 3 )—O-2′ bridge.

In certain embodiments, the modified sugar comprises a 2′-O(CH 2 ) 2 —OCH 3 group.

In certain embodiments, the modified sugar comprises a 2′-O—CH 3 group.

In certain embodiments, at least one nucleoside of the modified oligonucleotide comprises a modified nucleobase.

In certain embodiments, the modified nucleobase is a 5′-methylcytosine.

In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide comprises:

a 5′-wing consisting of 1 to 5 linked nucleosides; a 3′-wing consisting of 1 to 5 linked nucleosides; a gap between the 5′-wing and the 3′-wing consisting of 8 to 12 linked 2′-deoxynucleosides; and wherein at least one of the 5′-wing and the 3′-wing comprises at least one bicyclic nucleoside or one 2′-substituted nucleoside.

In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide comprises:

a 5′-wing consisting of 1 to 5 linked nucleosides; a 3′-wing consisting of 1 to 5 linked nucleosides; a gap between the 5′-wing and the 3′-wing consisting of 8 to 12 linked 2′-deoxynucleosides; and wherein at least one of the 5′-wing and the 3′-wing comprises at least one bicyclic nucleoside and at least one 2′-substituted nucleoside.

In certain embodiments, the 2′-substituted nucleoside comprises any of the group consisting of a 2% O(CH 2 ) 2 —OCH 3 group or a 2′-O—CH 3 group.

In certain embodiments, the bicyclic nucleoside comprises any of the group consisting of a 4′-CH 2 —O-2′ bridge and a 4′-CH(CH 3 )—O-2′ bridge.

In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide comprises:

a 5′-wing consisting of 3 linked nucleosides; a 3′-wing consisting of 3 linked nucleosides; a gap between the 5′-wing and the 3′-wing consisting of 10 linked 2′-deoxynucleosides; wherein each nucleoside of each of the 5′-wing and the 3′-wing comprises a constrained ethyl nucleoside; wherein each internucleoside linkage is a phosphorothioate linkage; and wherein each cytosine is a 5′-methylcytosine.

Certain embodiments provide compounds, comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 30 linked nucleosides and having a nucleobase sequence comprising at least 12 contiguous nucleobases of the nucleobase sequence of SEQ ID NO: 245.

Certain embodiments provide compounds, comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 30 linked nucleosides and having a nucleobase sequence comprising at least 12 contiguous nucleobases of the nucleobase sequence of SEQ ID NO: 413.

Certain embodiment provide compounds, comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 30 linked nucleosides and having a nucleobase sequence comprising at least 12 contiguous nucleobases of any of the nucleobase sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 9-426, 430-442, 445-464, 471-498, 500-1034, 1036-1512, and 1541-2757.

In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide consists of a single-stranded modified oligonucleotide.

In certain embodiments, at least one internucleoside linkage of the modified oligonucleotide is a modified internucleoside linkage.

In certain embodiments, each internucleoside linkage is a phosphorothioate internucleoside linkage.

In certain embodiments, at least one nucleoside comprises a modified sugar.

In certain embodiments, at least one modified sugar is a bicyclic sugar.

In certain embodiments, the bicyclic sugar comprises a 4′-CH 2 —O-2′ bridge.

In certain embodiments, the bicyclic sugar comprises a 4′-CH(CH 3 )—O-2′ bridge.

In certain embodiments, the modified sugar comprises a 2′—O(CH 2 ) 2 —OCH 3 group.

In certain embodiments, the modified sugar comprises a 2′-O—CH 3 group.

In certain embodiments, at least one nucleoside of the modified oligonucleotide comprises a modified nucleobase.

In certain embodiments, the modified nucleobase is a 5′-methylcytosine.

In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide comprises: a 5′-wing consisting of 1 to 5 linked nucleosides;

a 3′-wing consisting of 1 to 5 linked nucleosides; a gap between the 5′-wing and the 3′-wing consisting of 8 to 12 linked 2′-deoxynucleosides; and wherein at least one of the 5′-wing and the 3′-wing comprises at least one bicyclic nucleoside or 2′-substituted nucleoside.

In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide comprises:

a 5′-wing consisting of 1 to 5 linked nucleosides; a 3′-wing consisting of 1 to 5 linked nucleosides; a gap between the 5′-wing and the 3′-wing consisting of 8 to 12 linked 2′-deoxynucleosides; and wherein at least one of the 5′-wing and the 3′-wing comprises at least one bicyclic nucleoside and at least one 2′-substituted nucleoside.

In certain embodiments, the 2′-substituted nucleoside comprises any of the group consisting of a 2% O(CH 2 ) 2 —OCH 3 group or a 2′-O—CH 3 group.

In certain embodiments, the bicyclic nucleoside comprises any of the group consisting of a 4′-CH 2 —O-2′ bridge and a 4′-CH(CH 3 )—O-2′ bridge.

In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide comprises:

a 5′-wing consisting of 3 linked nucleosides; a 3′-wing consisting of 3 linked nucleosides; a gap between the 5′-wing and the 3′-wing consisting of 10 linked 2′-deoxynucleosides; wherein each nucleoside of each of the 5′-wing and the 3′-wing comprises a constrained ethyl nucleoside; wherein each internucleoside linkage is a phosphorothioate linkage; and wherein each cytosine is a 5′-methylcytosine.

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising:

a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 22 linked nucleosides, wherein the modified oligonucleotide comprises: a 5′-wing consisting of 1 to 5 linked nucleosides; a 3′-wing consisting of 1 to 5 linked nucleosides; a gap between the 5′-wing and the 3′-wing consisting of 8 to 12 linked 2′-deoxynucleosides; wherein at least one of the 5′-wing and the 3′-wing comprises at least one bicyclic nucleoside or a 2′-substituted nucleoside; wherein the nucleobase sequence of the modified oligonucleotide is complementary to an equal length portion of nucleobases 3016 to 3031 of the nucleobase sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1; and wherein the compound inhibits expression of STAT3 mRNA expression.

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising:

a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 22 linked nucleosides, wherein the modified oligonucleotide comprises: a 5′-wing consisting of 1 to 5 linked nucleosides; a 3′-wing consisting of 1 to 5 linked nucleosides; a gap between the 5′-wing and the 3′-wing consisting of 8 to 12 linked 2′-deoxynucleosides; wherein at least one of the 5′-wing and the 3′-wing comprises at least one bicyclic nucleoside or a 2′-substituted nucleoside; wherein the nucleobase sequence of the modified oligonucleotide is complementary to an equal length portion of nucleobases 6476 to 6491 of the nucleobase sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2; and wherein the compound inhibits expression of STAT3 mRNA expression.

In certain embodiments, at least one of the 5′-wing and the 3′-wing comprises at least one 2′-deoxynucleoside.

In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide consists of a single-stranded modified oligonucleotide.

In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide comprises at least one bicyclic nucleoside.

In certain embodiments, at least one bicyclic nucleoside comprises a 4′-CH(CH 3 )—O-2′ bridge.

In certain embodiments, each bicyclic nucleoside comprises a 4′-CH(CH 3 )—O-2′ bridge.

In certain embodiments, at least one bicyclic nucleoside comprises a 4′-CH 2 —O-2′ bridge.

In certain embodiments, each bicyclic nucleoside comprises a 4′-CH 2 —O-2′ bridge.

In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide comprises at least one 2′-substituted nucleoside.

In certain embodiments, at least one 2′-substituted nucleoside comprises a 2′-O(CH 2 ) 2 —OCH 3 group.

In certain embodiments, each 2′-substituted nucleoside comprises a 2′-O(CH 2 ) 2 —OCH 3 group.

In certain embodiments, at least one 2′-substituted nucleoside comprises a 2′-O—CH 3 group.

In certain embodiments, each 2′-substituted nucleoside comprises a 2′-O—CH 3 group.

In certain embodiments, at least one internucleoside linkage is a modified internucleoside linkage.

In certain embodiments, each modified internucleoside linkage is a phosphorothioate linkage.

In certain embodiments, at least one nucleoside of the modified oligonucleotide comprises a modified nucleobase.

In certain embodiments, the modified nucleobase is a 5′-methylcytosine.

In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide has a sugar motif described by Formula A as follows:

(J) m -(B) n -(J) p -(B)) r -(A) t -(D) g -(A)-(B) w -(J) x -(B) y -(J) z

wherein: each A is independently a 2′-substituted nucleoside; each B is independently a bicyclic nucleoside; each J is independently either a 2′-substituted nucleoside or a 2′-deoxynucleoside; each D is a 2′-deoxynucleoside; m is 0-4; n is 0-2; p is 0-2; r is 0-2; t is 0-2; v is 0-2; w is 0-4; x is 0-2; y is 0-2; z is 0-4; g is 6-14;

provided that:

at least one of m, n, and r is other than 0;

at least one of w and y is other than 0;

the sum of m, n, p, r, and t is from 2 to 5; and

the sum of v, w, x, y, and z is from 2 to 5.

In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide has a sugar motif of any of the group consisting of:

k-d(10)-k

e-d(10)-k

k-d(10)-e

k-k-d(10)-k-k

k-k-d(10)-e-e

e-e-d(10)-k-k

k-k-k-d(10)-k-k-k

e-e-e-d(10)-k-k-k

k-k-k-d(10)-e-e-e

k-k-k-d(10)-k-k-k

e-k-k-d(10)-k-k-e

e-e-k-d(10)-k-k-e

e-d-k-d(10)-k-k-e

e-k-d(10)-k-e-k-e

k-d(10)-k-e-k-e-e

e-e-k-d(10)-k-e-k-e

e-d-d-k-d(9)-k-k-e

e-e-e-e-d(9)-k-k-e

wherein, k is a constrained ethyl nucleoside, e is a 2′-MOE substituted nucleoside, and d is a 2′-deoxynucleoside.

Certain embodiments provide methods of treating a hyperproliferative disease in an animal, comprising administering to an animal in need thereof a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 30 linked nucleosides and having a nucleobase sequence comprising at least 12 contiguous nucleobases of any of the nucleobase sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 9-426, 430-442, 445-464, 471-498, 500-1034, 1036-1512, and 1541-2757.

Certain embodiments provide methods of treating a hyperproliferative disease in an animal, comprising administering to an animal in need thereof a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 30 linked nucleosides and having a nucleobase sequence comprising at least 12 contiguous nucleobases of SEQ ID NO: 245.

Certain embodiments provide methods of treating a hyperproliferative disease in an animal, comprising administering to an animal in need thereof a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 30 linked nucleosides and having a nucleobase sequence comprising at least 12 contiguous nucleobases of SEQ ID NO: 413.

In certain embodiments, the administering reduces tumor size in the animal.

In certain embodiments, the administering reduces tumor volume in the animal.

In certain embodiments, the administering prevents metastasis in the animal.

In certain embodiments, the administering prolongs survival of the animal.

In certain embodiments, the administering reduces cachaxia in the animal.

Certain embodiments provide methods of reducing expression of STAT3 in an animal, comprising administering to an animal in need thereof a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 30 linked nucleosides and having a nucleobase sequence comprising at least 12 contiguous nucleobases of any of the nucleobase sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 9-426, 430-442, 445-464, 471-498, 500-1034, 1036-1512, and 1541-2757.

Certain embodiments provide methods of reducing expression of STAT3 in an animal, comprising administering to an animal in need thereof a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 30 linked nucleosides and having a nucleobase sequence comprising at least 12 contiguous nucleobases of SEQ ID NO: 245.

Certain embodiments provide methods of reducing expression of STAT3 in an animal, comprising administering to an animal in need thereof a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 30 linked nucleosides and having a nucleobase sequence comprising at least 12 contiguous nucleobases of SEQ ID NO: 413.

In certain embodiments, the compound does not have the wing-gap-wing motif of 2-10-2.

Antisense Compounds

Oligomeric compounds include, but are not limited to, oligonucleotides, oligonucleosides, oligonucleotide analogs, oligonucleotide mimetics, antisense compounds, antisense oligonucleotides, and siRNAs. An oligomeric compound may be “antisense” to a target nucleic acid, meaning that is capable of undergoing hybridization to a target nucleic acid through hydrogen bonding.

In certain embodiments, an antisense compound has a nucleobase sequence that, when written in the 5′ to 3′ direction, comprises the reverse complement of the target segment of a target nucleic acid to which it is targeted. In certain such embodiments, an antisense oligonucleotide has a nucleobase sequence that, when written in the 5′ to 3′ direction, comprises the reverse complement of the target segment of a target nucleic acid to which it is targeted.

In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a STAT3 nucleic acid is 12 to 30 subunits in length. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a STAT3 nucleic acid is 14 to 30 subunits in length. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a STAT3 nucleic acid is 12 to 22 subunits in length. In other words, such antisense compounds are from 12 to 30 linked subunits, 14 to 30 linked subunits, or 12 to 22 linked subunits, respectively. In other embodiments, the antisense compound is 8 to 80, 12 to 50, 13 to 30, 13 to 50, 14 to 30, 14 to 50, 15 to 30, 15 to 50, 16 to 30, 16 to 50, 17 to 30, 17 to 50, 18 to 22, 18 to 24, 18 to 30, 18 to 50, 19 to 22, 19 to 30, 19 to 50, or 20 to 30 linked subunits. In certain such embodiments, the antisense compounds are 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, or 80 linked subunits in length, or a range defined by any two of the above values. In some embodiments the antisense compound is an antisense oligonucleotide, and the linked subunits are nucleotides.

In certain embodiments antisense oligonucleotides targeted to a STAT3 nucleic acid may be shortened or truncated. For example, a single subunit may be deleted from the 5′ end (5′ truncation), or alternatively from the 3′ end (3′ truncation). A shortened or truncated antisense compound targeted to a STAT3 nucleic acid may have two subunits deleted from the 5′ end, or alternatively may have two subunits deleted from the 3′ end, of the antisense compound. Alternatively, the deleted nucleosides may be dispersed throughout the antisense compound, for example, in an antisense compound having one nucleoside deleted from the 5′ end and one nucleoside deleted from the 3′ end.

When a single additional subunit is present in a lengthened antisense compound, the additional subunit may be located at the 5′ or 3′ end of the antisense compound. When two or more additional subunits are present, the added subunits may be adjacent to each other, for example, in an antisense compound having two subunits added to the 5′ end (5′ addition), or alternatively to the 3′ end (3′ addition), of the antisense compound. Alternatively, the added subunits may be dispersed throughout the antisense compound, for example, in an antisense compound having one subunit added to the 5′ end and one subunit added to the 3′ end.

It is possible to increase or decrease the length of an antisense compound, such as an antisense oligonucleotide, and/or introduce mismatch bases without eliminating activity. For example, in Woolf et al. (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89: 7305-7309, 1992), a series of antisense oligonucleotides 13-25 nucleobases in length were tested for their ability to induce cleavage of a target RNA in an oocyte injection model. Antisense oligonucleotides 25 nucleobases in length with 8 or 11 mismatch bases near the ends of the antisense oligonucleotides were able to direct specific cleavage of the target mRNA, albeit to a lesser extent than the antisense oligonucleotides that contained no mismatches. Similarly, target specific cleavage was achieved using 13 nucleobase antisense oligonucleotides, including those with 1 or 3 mismatches.

Gautschi et al. ( J. Natl. Cancer Inst. 93:463-471, Mar. 2001) demonstrated the ability of an oligonucleotide having 100% complementarity to the bcl-2 mRNA and having 3 mismatches to the bcl-xL mRNA to reduce the expression of both bcl-2 and bcl-xL in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, this oligonucleotide demonstrated potent anti-tumor activity in vivo.

Maher and Dolnick ( Nuc. Acid. Res. 16:3341-3358, 1988) tested a series of tandem 14 nucleobase antisense oligonucleotides, and a 28 and 42 nucleobase antisense oligonucleotides comprised of the sequence of two or three of the tandem antisense oligonucleotides, respectively, for their ability to arrest translation of human DHFR in a rabbit reticulocyte assay. Each of the three 14 nucleobase antisense oligonucleotides alone was able to inhibit translation, albeit at a more modest level than the 28 or 42 nucleobase antisense oligonucleotides.

In certain embodiments, the compounds as described herein are efficacious by virtue of having at least one of an in vitro IC 50 of less than 20 uM, less than 19 uM, less than 18 uM, less than 17 uM, less than 16 uM, less than 15 uM, less than 14 uM, less than 13 uM, less than 12 uM, less than 11 uM, less than 10 uM, less than 9 uM, less than 8 uM, less than 7 uM, less than 6 uM, less than 5 uM, less than 4 uM, less than 3 uM, less than 2 uM, less than 1 uM when delivered to HuVEC cells as described herein.

In certain embodiments, the compounds as described herein are efficacious by virtue of having at least one of an in vitro IC 50 of less than 1.0 uM, less than 0.9 uM, less than 0.8 uM, less than 0.7 uM, less than 0.6 uM, less than 0.5 uM, less than 0.4 uM, less than 0.3 uM, less than 0.2 uM, less than 0.1 uM when delivered to HuVEC cells as described herein.

In certain embodiments, the compounds as described herein are efficacious by virtue of having at least one of an in vitro IC 50 of less than 0.95 uM, less than 0.90 uM, less than 0.85 uM, less than 0.80 uM, less than 0.75 uM, less than 0.70 uM, less than 0.65 uM, less than 0.60 uM, less than 0.55 uM, less than 0.50 uM, less than 0.45 uM, less than 0.40 uM, less than 0.35 uM, less than 0.30 uM, less than 0.25 uM, less than 0.20 uM, less than 0.15 uM, less than 0.10 uM, less than 0.05 uM, less than 0.04 uM, less than 0.03 uM, less than 0.02 uM, less than 0.01 uM when delivered to HuVEC cells as described herein.

In certain embodiments, the compound as described herein are efficacious by virtue of having at least one of an in vitro IC 50 of less of less than 20 uM, less than 15 uM, less than 10 uM, less than 5 uM, less than 2 uM when delivered by free uptake methods to cancer cell lines as described herein.

In certain embodiments, the compounds as described herein are highly tolerable as demonstrated by having at least one of an increase an ALT or AST value of no more than 4 fold, 3 fold, or 2 fold over saline treated animals or an increase in liver, spleen, or kidney weight of no more than 30%, 20%, 15%, 12%, 10%, 5%, or 2%. In certain embodiments, the compounds as described herein are highly tolerable as demonstrated by having no increase of ALT or AST over saline treated animals. In certain embodiments, the compounds as described herein are highly tolerable as demonstrated by having no increase in liver, spleen, or kidney weight over saline treated animals. In certain embodiments, these compounds include ISIS 455265, ISIS 455269, ISIS 455271, ISIS 455272, ISIS 455291, ISIS 455371, ISIS 455394, ISIS 455703, ISIS 455429, ISIS 455471, ISIS 455527, ISIS 455530, ISIS 455536, ISIS 455548, ISIS 455611, ISIS 465236, ISIS 465237, ISIS 465588, ISIS 465740, ISIS 465754, ISIS 465830, ISIS 466670, ISIS 466720; ISIS 481374, ISIS 481390, ISIS 481420, ISIS 481431, ISIS 481453, ISIS 481464, ISIS 481475, ISIS 481495, ISIS 481500, ISIS 481501, ISIS 481525, ISIS 481548, ISIS 481549, ISIS 481597, ISIS 481695, ISIS 481700, ISIS 481702, ISIS 481710, ISIS 481725, ISIS 481750, and ISIS 481763. In certain embodiments, such compounds include compounds comprising the sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs 57, 90, 90, 175, 223, 245, 267, 307, 317, 318, 366, 411, 413, 54, 258, 268, 272, 288, 464, 367, 393, 1564, 1568, 1571, 1572, 1590, 1670, 1693, 1728, 1770, 1826, 1829, 1835, 1847, 1910, 1997, 2168, 2198, 2325, 2339, 2720, 2731, 2732, and 2756.

Antisense Compound Motifs

In certain embodiments, antisense compounds targeted to a STAT3 nucleic acid have chemically modified subunits arranged in patterns, or motifs, to confer to the antisense compounds properties such as enhanced inhibitory activity, increased binding affinity for a target nucleic acid, or resistance to degradation by in vivo nucleases.

Chimeric antisense compounds typically contain at least one region modified so as to confer increased resistance to nuclease degradation, increased cellular uptake, increased binding affinity for the target nucleic acid, and/or increased inhibitory activity. A second region of a chimeric antisense compound may optionally serve as a substrate for the cellular endonuclease RNase H, which cleaves the RNA strand of an RNA:DNA duplex.

Antisense compounds having a gapmer motif are considered chimeric antisense compounds. In a gapmer an internal region having a plurality of nucleotides that supports RNaseH cleavage is positioned between external regions having a plurality of nucleotides that are chemically distinct from the nucleosides of the internal region. In the case of an antisense oligonucleotide having a gapmer motif, the gap segment generally serves as the substrate for endonuclease cleavage, while the wing segments comprise modified nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the regions of a gapmer are differentiated by the types of sugar moieties comprising each distinct region. The types of sugar moieties that are used to differentiate the regions of a gapmer may in some embodiments include β-D-ribonucleosides, β-D-deoxyribonucleosides, modified nucleosides (such 2′-modified nucleosides may include 2′-MOE and 2′-O—CH 3 , among others), and bicyclic sugar modified nucleosides (such bicyclic sugar modified nucleosides may include those having a constrained ethyl). In certain embodiments, wings may include several modified sugar moieties, including, for example 2′-MOE and constrained ethyl. In certain embodiments, wings may include several modified and unmodified sugar moieties. In certain embodiments, wings may include various combinations of 2′-MOE nucleosides, constrained ethyl nucleosides, and 2′-deoxynucleosides.

Each distinct region may comprise uniform sugar moieties, variant, or alternating sugar moieties. The wing-gap-wing motif is frequently described as “X-Y-Z”, where “X” represents the length of the 5′-wing, “Y” represents the length of the gap, and “Z” represents the length of the 3′-wing. “X” and “Z” may comprise uniform, variant, or alternating sugar moieties. In certain embodiments, “X” and “Y” may include one or more 2′-deoxynucleosides.

“Y” may comprise 2′-deoxynucleosides. As used herein, a gapmer described as “X-Y-Z” has a configuration such that the gap is positioned immediately adjacent to each of the 5′-wing and the 3′ wing. Thus, no intervening nucleotides exist between the 5′-wing and gap, or the gap and the 3′-wing. Any of the antisense compounds described herein can have a gapmer motif. In certain embodiments, “X” and “Z” are the same, in other embodiments they are different. In certain embodiments, “Y” is between 8 and 15 nucleosides. X, Y, or Z can be any of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30 or more nucleosides.

In certain embodiments, gapmers provided herein include, for example, 11-mers having a motif of 1-9-1.

In certain embodiments, gapmers provided herein include, for example, 12-mers having a motif of 1-9-2, 2-9-1, or 1-10-1.

In certain embodiments, gapmers provided herein include, for example, 13-mers having a motif of 1-9-3, 2-9-2, 3-9-1, 1-10-2, or 2-10-1.

In certain embodiments, gapmers provided herein include, for example, 14-mers having a motif of 1-9-4, 2-9-3, 3-9-2, 4-9-1, 1-10-3, 2-10-2, or 3-10-1.

In certain embodiments, gapmers provided herein include, for example, 15-mers having a motif of 1-9-5, 2-9-4, 3-9-3, 4-9-2, 5-9-1, 1-10-4, 2-10-3, 3-10-2, or 4-10-1.

In certain embodiments, gapmers provided herein include, for example, 16-mers having a motif of 2-9-5, 3-9-4, 4-9-3, 5-9-2, 1-10-5, 2-10-4, 3-10-3, 4-10-2, or 5-10-1.

In certain embodiments, gapmers provided herein include, for example, 17-mers having a motif of 3-9-5, 4-9-4, 5-9-3, 2-10-5, 3-10-4, 4-10-3, or 5-10-2.

In certain embodiments, gapmers provided herein include, for example, 18-mers having a motif of 4-9-5, 5-9-4, 3-10-5, 4-10-4, or 5-10-3.

In certain embodiments, gapmers provided herein include, for example, 19-mers having a motif of 5-9-5, 4-10-5, or 5-10-4.

In certain embodiments, gapmers provided herein include, for example, 20-mers having a motif of 5-10-5.

In certain embodiments, the antisense compound has a “wingmer” motif, having a wing-gap or gap-wing configuration, i.e. an X-Y or Y-Z configuration as described above for the gapmer configuration. Thus, wingmer configurations provided herein include, but are not limited to, for example 5-10, 8-4,4-12, 12-4, 3-14, 16-2, 18-1, 10-3, 2-10, 1-10, 8-2,2-13, 5-13, 5-8, or 6-8.

In certain embodiments, antisense compound targeted to a STAT3 nucleic acid has a 2-10-2 gapmer motif.

In certain embodiments, the antisense compound targeted to a STAT3 nucleic acid has a 3-10-3 gapmer motif.

In certain embodiments, the antisense compound targeted to a STAT3 nucleic acid has a 5-10-5 gapmer motif.

In certain embodiments, the antisense compound targeted to a STAT3 nucleic acid has a 1-10-5 gapmer motif.

In certain embodiments, the antisense compound targeted to a STAT3 nucleic acid has a 3-10-4 gapmer motif.

In certain embodiments, the antisense compound targeted to a STAT3 nucleic acid has a 2-10-4 gapmer motif.

In certain embodiments, the antisense compound targeted to a STAT3 nucleic acid has a 4-9-3 gapmer motif.

In certain embodiments, the antisense compound targeted to a STAT3 nucleic acid has a gap-widened motif.

In certain embodiments, the antisense compounds targeted to a STAT3 nucleic acid has any of the following sugar motifs:

k-d(10)-k e-d(10)-k k-d(10)-e k-k-d(10)-k-k k-k-d(10)-e-e e-e-d(10)-k-k k-k-k-d(10)-k-k-k e-e-e-d(10)-k-k-k k-k-k-d(10)-e-e-e k-k-k-d(10)-k-k-k e-k-k-d(10)-k-k-e e-e-k-d(10)-k-k-e e-d-k-d(10)-k-k-e e-k-d(10)-k-e-k-e k-d(10)-k-e-k-e-e e-e-k-d(10)-k-e-k-e e-d-d-k-d(9)-k-k-e e-e-e-e-d(9)-k-k-e

wherein, k is a constrained ethyl nucleoside, e is a 2′-MOE substituted nucleoside, and d is a 2′-deoxynucleoside.

In certain embodiments, the antisense oligonucleotide has a sugar motif described by Formula A as follows: (J) m -(B) n -M p -(B) r -(A) t -(D) g -(A) t -(B) w -(J) x -(B) y -(J) z

wherein: each A is independently a 2′-substituted nucleoside; each B is independently a bicyclic nucleoside; each J is independently either a 2′-substituted nucleoside or a 2′-deoxynucleoside; each D is a 2′-deoxynucleoside; m is 0-4; n is 0-2; p is 0-2; r is 0-2; t is 0-2; v is 0-2; w is 0-4; x is 0-2; y is 0-2; z is 0-4; g is 6-14;

provided that:

at least one of m, n, and r is other than 0;

at least one of w and y is other than 0;

the sum of m, n, p, r, and t is from 2 to 5; and

the sum of v, w, x, y, and z is from 2 to 5.

Target Nucleic Acids, Target Regions and Nucleotide Sequences

Nucleotide sequences that encode STAT3 include, without limitation, the following: GENBANK Accession No. NM — 139276.2 (incorporated herein as SEQ ID NO: 1) and the complement of GENBANK Accession No. NT — 010755.14 truncated from nucleotides 4185000 to 4264000 (incorporated herein as SEQ ID NO: 2).

It is understood that the sequence set forth in each SEQ ID NO in the Examples contained herein is independent of any modification to a sugar moiety, an internucleoside linkage, or a nucleobase. As such, antisense compounds defined by a SEQ ID NO may comprise, independently, one or more modifications to a sugar moiety, an internucleoside linkage, or a nucleobase. Antisense compounds described by Isis Number (Isis No) indicate a combination of nucleobase sequence and motif.

In certain embodiments, a target region is a structurally defined region of the target nucleic acid. For example, a target region may encompass a 3′ UTR, a 5′ UTR, an exon, an intron, an exon/intron junction, a coding region, a translation initiation region, translation termination region, or other defined nucleic acid region. The structurally defined regions for STAT3 can be obtained by accession number from sequence databases such as NCBI and such information is incorporated herein by reference. In certain embodiments, a target region may encompass the sequence from a 5′ target site of one target segment within the target region to a 3′ target site of another target segment within the same target region.

Targeting includes determination of at least one target segment to which an antisense compound hybridizes, such that a desired effect occurs. In certain embodiments, the desired effect is a reduction in mRNA target nucleic acid levels. In certain embodiments, the desired effect is reduction of levels of protein encoded by the target nucleic acid or a phenotypic change associated with the target nucleic acid.

A target region may contain one or more target segments. Multiple target segments within a target region may be overlapping. Alternatively, they may be non-overlapping. In certain embodiments, target segments within a target region are separated by no more than about 300 nucleotides. In certain emodiments, target segments within a target region are separated by a number of nucleotides that is, is about, is no more than, is no more than about, 250, 200, 150, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, or 10 nucleotides on the target nucleic acid, or is a range defined by any two of the preceeding values. In certain embodiments, target segments within a target region are separated by no more than, or no more than about, 5 nucleotides on the target nucleic acid. In certain embodiments, target segments are contiguous. Contemplated are target regions defined by a range having a starting nucleic acid that is any of the 5′ target sites or 3′ target sites listed herein.

Suitable target segments may be found within a 5′ UTR, a coding region, a 3′ UTR, an intron, an exon, or an exon/intron junction. Target segments containing a start codon or a stop codon are also suitable target segments. A suitable target segment may specifically exclude a certain structurally defined region such as the start codon or stop codon.

The determination of suitable target segments may include a comparison of the sequence of a target nucleic acid to other sequences throughout the genome. For example, the BLAST algorithm may be used to identify regions of similarity amongst different nucleic acids. This comparison can prevent the selection of antisense compound sequences that may hybridize in a non-specific manner to sequences other than a selected target nucleic acid (i.e., non-target or off-target sequences).

There may be variation in activity (e.g., as defined by percent reduction of target nucleic acid levels) of the antisense compounds within an active target region. In certain embodiments, reductions in STAT3 mRNA levels are indicative of inhibition of STAT3 expression. Reductions in levels of a STAT3 protein are also indicative of inhibition of target mRNA expression. Further, phenotypic changes are indicative of inhibition of STAT3 expression. In certain embodiments, reduced cellular growth, reduced tumor growth, and reduced tumor volume can be indicative of inhibition of STAT3 expression. In certain embodiments, amelioration of symptoms associated with cancer can be indicative of inhibition of STAT3 expression. In certain embodiments, reduction of cachexia is indicative of inhibition of STAT3 expression. In certain embodiments, reduction of cancer markers can be indicative of inhibition of STAT3 expression.

Hybridization

In some embodiments, hybridization occurs between an antisense compound disclosed herein and a STAT3 nucleic acid. The most common mechanism of hybridization involves hydrogen bonding (e.g., Watson-Crick, Hoogsteen or reversed Hoogsteen hydrogen bonding) between complementary nucleobases of the nucleic acid molecules.

Hybridization can occur under varying conditions. Stringent conditions are sequence-dependent and are determined by the nature and composition of the nucleic acid molecules to be hybridized.

Methods of determining whether a sequence is specifically hybridizable to a target nucleic acid are well known in the art. In certain embodiments, the antisense compounds provided herein are specifically hybridizable with a STAT3 nucleic acid.

Complementarity

An antisense compound and a target nucleic acid are complementary to each other when a sufficient number of nucleobases of the antisense compound can hydrogen bond with the corresponding nucleobases of the target nucleic acid, such that a desired effect will occur (e.g., antisense inhibition of a target nucleic acid, such as a STAT3 nucleic acid).

Non-complementary nucleobases between an antisense compound and a STAT3 nucleic acid may be tolerated provided that the antisense compound remains able to specifically hybridize to a target nucleic acid. Moreover, an antisense compound may hybridize over one or more segments of a STAT3 nucleic acid such that intervening or adjacent segments are not involved in the hybridization event (e.g., a loop structure, mismatch or hairpin structure).

In certain embodiments, the antisense compounds provided herein, or a specified portion thereof, are, or are at least, 70%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% complementary to a STAT3 nucleic acid, a target region, target segment, or specified portion thereof. Percent complementarity of an antisense compound with a target nucleic acid can be determined using routine methods.

For example, an antisense compound in which 18 of 20 nucleobases of the antisense compound are complementary to a target region, and would therefore specifically hybridize, would represent 90 percent complementarity. In this example, the remaining noncomplementary nucleobases may be clustered or interspersed with complementary nucleobases and need not be contiguous to each other or to complementary nucleobases. As such, an antisense compound which is 18 nucleobases in length having four noncomplementary nucleobases which are flanked by two regions of complete complementarity with the target nucleic acid would have 77.8% overall complementarity with the target nucleic acid and would thus fall within the scope of the present invention. Percent complementarity of an antisense compound with a region of a target nucleic acid can be determined routinely using BLAST programs (basic local alignment search tools) and PowerBLAST programs known in the art (Altschul et al., J. Mol. Biol., 1990, 215, 403 410; Zhang and Madden, Genome Res., 1997, 7, 649 656). Percent homology, sequence identity or complementarity, can be determined by, for example, the Gap program (Wisconsin Sequence Analysis Package, Version 8 for Unix, Genetics Computer Group, University Research Park, Madison Wis.), using default settings, which uses the algorithm of Smith and Waterman (Adv. Appl. Math., 1981, 2, 482 489).

In certain embodiments, the antisense compounds provided herein, or specified portions thereof, are fully complementary (i.e. 100% complementary) to a target nucleic acid, or specified portion thereof. For example, an antisense compound may be fully complementary to a STAT3 nucleic acid, or a target region, or a target segment or target sequence thereof. As used herein, “fully complementary” means each nucleobase of an antisense compound is capable of precise base pairing with the corresponding nucleobases of a target nucleic acid. For example, a 20 nucleobase antisense compound is fully complementary to a target sequence that is 400 nucleobases long, so long as there is a corresponding 20 nucleobase portion of the target nucleic acid that is fully complementary to the antisense compound. Fully complementary can also be used in reference to a specified portion of the first and/or the second nucleic acid. For example, a 20 nucleobase portion of a 30 nucleobase antisense compound can be “fully complementary” to a target sequence that is 400 nucleobases long. The 20 nucleobase portion of the 30 nucleobase oligonucleotide is fully complementary to the target sequence if the target sequence has a corresponding 20 nucleobase portion wherein each nucleobase is complementary to the 20 nucleobase portion of the antisense compound. At the same time, the entire 30 nucleobase antisense compound may or may not be fully complementary to the target sequence, depending on whether the remaining 10 nucleobases of the antisense compound are also complementary to the target sequence.

The location of a non-complementary nucleobase may be at the 5′ end or 3′ end of the antisense compound. Alternatively, the non-complementary nucleobase or nucleobases may be at an internal position of the antisense compound. When two or more non-complementary nucleobases are present, they may be contiguous (i.e. linked) or non-contiguous. In one embodiment, a non-complementary nucleobase is located in the wing segment of a gapmer antisense oligonucleotide.

In certain embodiments, antisense compounds that are, or are up to 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 nucleobases in length comprise no more than 4, no more than 3, no more than 2, or no more than 1 non-complementary nucleobase(s) relative to a target nucleic acid, such as a STAT3 nucleic acid, or specified portion thereof.

In certain embodiments, antisense compounds that are, or are up to 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30 nucleobases in length comprise no more than 6, no more than 5, no more than 4, no more than 3, no more than 2, or no more than 1 non-complementary nucleobase(s) relative to a target nucleic acid, such as a STAT3 nucleic acid, or specified portion thereof.

The antisense compounds provided herein also include those which are complementary to a portion of a target nucleic acid. As used herein, “portion” refers to a defined number of contiguous (i.e. linked) nucleobases within a region or segment of a target nucleic acid. A “portion” can also refer to a defined number of contiguous nucleobases of an antisense compound. In certain embodiments, the antisense compounds, are complementary to at least an 8 nucleobase portion of a target segment. In certain embodiments, the antisense compounds are complementary to at least a 9 nucleobase portion of a target segment. In certain embodiments, the antisense compounds are complementary to at least a 10 nucleobase portion of a target segment. In certain embodiments, the antisense compounds are complementary to at least an 11 nucleobase portion of a target segment. In certain embodiments, the antisense compounds are complementary to at least a 12 nucleobase portion of a target segment. In certain embodiments, the antisense compounds are complementary to at least a 13 nucleobase portion of a target segment. In certain embodiments, the antisense compounds are complementary to at least a 14 nucleobase portion of a target segment. In certain embodiments, the antisense compounds are complementary to at least a 15 nucleobase portion of a target segment. Also contemplated are antisense compounds that are complementary to at least a 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, or more nucleobase portion of a target segment, or a range defined by any two of these values.

Identity

The antisense compounds provided herein may also have a defined percent identity to a particular nucleotide sequence, SEQ ID NO, or compound represented by a specific Isis number, or portion thereof. As used herein, an antisense compound is identical to the sequence disclosed herein if it has the same nucleobase pairing ability. For example, a RNA which contains uracil in place of thymidine in a disclosed DNA sequence would be considered identical to the DNA sequence since both uracil and thymidine pair with adenine. Shortened and lengthened versions of the antisense compounds described herein as well as compounds having non-identical bases relative to the antisense compounds provided herein also are contemplated. The non-identical bases may be adjacent to each other or dispersed throughout the antisense compound. Percent identity of an antisense compound is calculated according to the number of bases that have identical base pairing relative to the sequence to which it is being compared.

In certain embodiments, the antisense compounds, or portions thereof, are at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to one or more of the antisense compounds or SEQ ID NOs, or a portion thereof, disclosed herein.

In certain embodiments, a portion of the antisense compound is compared to an equal length portion of the target nucleic acid. In certain embodiments, an 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25 nucleobase portion is compared to an equal length portion of the target nucleic acid.

In certain embodiments, a portion of the antisense oligonucleotide is compared to an equal length portion of the target nucleic acid. In certain embodiments, an 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25 nucleobase portion is compared to an equal length portion of the target nucleic acid.

Modifications

A nucleoside is a base-sugar combination. The nucleobase (also known as base) portion of the nucleoside is normally a heterocyclic base moiety. Nucleotides are nucleosides that further include a phosphate group covalently linked to the sugar portion of the nucleoside. For those nucleosides that include a pentofuranosyl sugar, the phosphate group can be linked to the 2′,3′ or 5′ hydroxyl moiety of the sugar. Oligonucleotides are formed through the covalent linkage of adjacent nucleosides to one another, to form a linear polymeric oligonucleotide. Within the oligonucleotide structure, the phosphate groups are commonly referred to as forming the internucleoside linkages of the oligonucleotide.

Modifications to antisense compounds encompass substitutions or changes to internucleoside linkages, sugar moieties, or nucleobases. Modified antisense compounds are often preferred over native forms because of desirable properties such as, for example, enhanced cellular uptake, enhanced affinity for nucleic acid target, increased stability in the presence of nucleases, or increased inhibitory activity.

Chemically modified nucleosides may also be employed to increase the binding affinity of a shortened or truncated antisense oligonucleotide for its target nucleic acid. Consequently, comparable results can often be obtained with shorter antisense compounds that have such chemically modified nucleosides.

Modified Internucleoside Linkages

The naturally occurring internucleoside linkage of RNA and DNA is a 3′ to 5′ phosphodiester linkage. Antisense compounds having one or more modified, i.e. non-naturally occurring, internucleoside linkages are often selected over antisense compounds having naturally occurring internucleoside linkages because of desirable properties such as, for example, enhanced cellular uptake, enhanced affinity for target nucleic acids, and increased stability in the presence of nucleases.

Oligonucleotides having modified internucleoside linkages include internucleoside linkages that retain a phosphorus atom as well as internucleoside linkages that do not have a phosphorus atom. Representative phosphorus containing internucleoside linkages include, but are not limited to, phosphodiesters, phosphotriesters, methylphosphonates, phosphoramidate, and phosphorothioates. Methods of preparation of phosphorous-containing and non-phosphorous-containing linkages are well known.

In certain embodiments, antisense compounds targeted to a STAT3 nucleic acid comprise one or more modified internucleoside linkages. In certain embodiments, the modified internucleoside linkages are phosphorothioate linkages. In certain embodiments, each internucleoside linkage of an antisense compound is a phosphorothioate internucleoside linkage.

Modified Sugar Moieties

Antisense compounds provided herein can optionally contain one or more nucleosides wherein the sugar group has been modified. Such sugar modified nucleosides may impart enhanced nuclease stability, increased binding affinity, or some other beneficial biological property to the antisense compounds. In certain embodiments, nucleosides comprise a chemically modified ribofuranose ring moiety. Examples of chemically modified ribofuranose rings include, without limitation, addition of substitutent groups (including 5′ and 2′ substituent groups); bridging of non-geminal ring atoms to form bicyclic nucleic acids (BNA); replacement of the ribosyl ring oxygen atom with S, N(R), or C(R1)(R) 2 (R═H, C 1 -C 12 alkyl or a protecting group); and combinations thereof. Examples of chemically modified sugars include, 2′-F-5′-methyl substituted nucleoside (see, PCT International Application WO 2008/101157, published on Aug. 21, 2008 for other disclosed 5′,2′-bis substituted nucleosides), replacement of the ribosyl ring oxygen atom with S with further substitution at the 2′-position (see, published U.S. Patent Application US2005/0130923, published on Jun. 16, 2005), or, alternatively, 5′-substitution of a BNA (see, PCT International Application WO 2007/134181, published on Nov. 22, 2007, wherein LNA is substituted with, for example, a 5′-methyl or a 5′-vinyl group).

Examples of nucleosides having modified sugar moieties include, without limitation, nucleosides comprising 5′-vinyl, 5′-methyl (R or S), 4′-S, 2′-F, 2′-OCH 3 , and 2′-O(CH 2 )2OCH 3 substituent groups. The substituent at the 2′ position can also be selected from allyl, amino, azido, thio, O-allyl, O—C 1 -C 10 alkyl, OCF 3 , O(CH 2 ) 2 SCH 3 , O(CH 2 ) 2 —O—N(Rm)(Rn), and O—CH 2 —C(═O)—N(Rm)(Rn), where each Rm and Rn is, independently, H or substituted or unsubstituted C 1 -C 10 alkyl.

As used herein, “bicyclic nucleosides” refer to modified nucleosides comprising a bicyclic sugar moiety. Examples of bicyclic nucleosides include, without limitation, nucleosides comprising a bridge between the 4′ and the 2′ ribosyl ring atoms. In certain embodiments, antisense compounds provided herein include one or more bicyclic nucleosides wherein the bridge comprises a 4′ to 2′ bicyclic nucleoside. Examples of such 4′ to 2′ bicyclic nucleosides, include, but are not limited to, one of the formulae: 4′-(CH 2 )—O-2′ (LNA); 4′-(CH 2 )—S-2; 4′-(CH 2 ) 2 —O-2′ (ENA); 4′-CH(CH 3 )—O-2′ and 4′-CH(CH 2 OCH 3 )—O-2′, and analogs thereof (see, U.S. Pat. No. 7,399,845, issued on Jul. 15, 2008); 4′-C(CH 3 )(CH 3 )—O-2′, and analogs thereof (see, published PCT International Application WO2009/006478, published Jan. 8, 2009); 4′-CH 2 —N(OCH 3 )-2′, and analogs thereof (see, published PCT International Application WO2008/150729, published Dec. 11, 2008); 4′-CH 2 —O—N(CH 3 )-2′ (see, published U.S. Patent Application US2004/0171570, published Sep. 2, 2004); 4′-CH 2 —N(R)—O-2′, wherein R is H, C 1 -C 12 alkyl, or a protecting group (see, U.S. Pat. No. 7,427,672, issued on Sep. 23, 2008); 4′-CH 2 —C(H)(CH 3 )-2′ (see, Chattopadhyaya, et al., J. Org. Chem., 2009, 74, 118-134); and 4′-CH 2 —C(═CH 2 )-2′, and analogs thereof (see, published PCT International Application WO 2008/154401, published on Dec. 8, 2008). Also see, for example: Singh et al., Chem. Commun., 1998, 4, 455-456; Koshkin et al., Tetrahedron, 1998, 54, 3607-3630; Wahlestedt et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S. A., 2000, 97, 5633-5638; Kumar et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett., 1998, 8, 2219-2222; Singh et al., J. Org. Chem., 1998, 63, 10035-10039; Srivastava et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 129(26) 8362-8379 (Jul. 4, 2007); Elayadi et al., Curr. Opinion Invens. Drugs, 2001, 2, 558-561; Braasch et al., Chem. Biol., 2001, 8, 1-7; Orum et al., Curr. Opinion Mol. Ther., 2001, 3, 239-243; U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,670,461, 7,053,207, 6,268,490, 6,770,748, 6,794,499, 7,034,133, 6,525,191, 7,399,845; published PCT International applications WO 2004/106356, WO 94/14226, WO 2005/021570, and WO 2007/134181; U.S. Patent Publication Nos. US2004/0171570, US2007/0287831, and US2008/0039618; and U.S. patent Ser. Nos. 12/129,154, 60/989,574, 61/026,995, 61/026,998, 61/056,564, 61/086,231, 61/097,787, and 61/099, 844; and PCT International Application Nos. PCT/US2008/064591, PCT/US2008/066154, and PCT/US2008/068922. Each of the foregoing bicyclic nucleosides can be prepared having one or more stereochemical sugar configurations including for example α-L-ribofuranose and β-D-ribofuranose (see PCT international application PCT/DK98/00393, published on Mar. 25, 1999 as WO 99/14226).

In certain embodiments, bicyclic sugar moieties of BNA nucleosides include, but are not limited to, compounds having at least one bridge between the 4′ and the 2′ position of the pentofuranosyl sugar moiety wherein such bridges independently comprises 1 or from 2 to 4 linked groups independently selected from —[C(R a )(R b )] n —, —C(R a )═C(R b )—, —C(R a )═N—, —C(═NR a )—, —C(═O)—, —C(═S)—, —O—, —Si(R a ) 2 —, —S(═O) x —, and —N(R a )—;

wherein:

x is 0, 1, or 2;

n is 1, 2, 3, or 4;

each R a and R b is, independently, H, a protecting group, hydroxyl, C 1 -C 12 alkyl, substituted C 1 -C 12 alkyl, C 2 -C 12 alkenyl, substituted C 2 -C 12 alkenyl, C 2 -C 12 alkynyl, substituted C 2 -C 12 alkynyl, C 5 -C 20 aryl, substituted C 5 -C 20 aryl, heterocycle radical, substituted heterocycle radical, heteroaryl, substituted heteroaryl, C 5 -C 7 alicyclic radical, substituted C 5 -C 7 alicyclic radical, halogen, OJ 1 , NJ 1 J 2 , SJ 1 , N 3 , COOJ 1 , acyl (C(═O)—H), substituted acyl, CN, sulfonyl (S(═O) 2 -J 1 ), or sulfoxyl (S(═O)-J 1 ); and

each J 1 and J 2 is, independently, H, C 1 -C 12 alkyl, substituted C 1 -C 12 alkyl, C 2 -C 12 alkenyl, substituted C 2 -C 12 alkenyl, C 2 -C 12 alkynyl, substituted C 2 -C 12 alkynyl, C 5 -C 20 aryl, substituted C 5 -C 20 aryl, acyl (C(═O)—H), substituted acyl, a heterocycle radical, a substituted heterocycle radical, C 1 -C 12 aminoalkyl, substituted C 1 -C 12 aminoalkyl, or a protecting group.

In certain embodiments, the bridge of a bicyclic sugar moiety is, —[C(R a )(R b )] n —, —[C(R a )(R b )] n —O—, —C(R a R b )—N(R)—O— or, —C(R a R b )—O—N(R)—. In certain embodiments, the bridge is 4′-CH 2 -2′,4′-(CH 2 ) 2 -2′,4′-(CH 2 ) 3 -2′,4′-CH 2 —O-2′,4′-(CH 2 ) 2 —O-2′,4′-CH 2 —O—N(R)-2′, and 4′-CH 2 —N(R)—O-2′-, wherein each R is, independently, H, a protecting group, or C 1 -C 12 alkyl.

In certain embodiments, bicyclic nucleosides are further defined by isomeric configuration. For example, a nucleoside comprising a 4′-2′ methylene-oxy bridge, may be in the α-L configuration or in the β-D configuration. Previously, α-L-methyleneoxy (4′-CH 2 —O-2′) BNA's have been incorporated into antisense oligonucleotides that showed antisense activity (Frieden et al., Nucleic Acids Research, 2003, 21, 6365-6372).

In certain embodiments, bicyclic nucleosides include, but are not limited to, (A) α-L-Methyleneoxy (4′-CH 2 —O-2′) BNA, (B) β-D-Methyleneoxy (4′-CH 2 —O-2′) BNA, (C) Ethyleneoxy (4′40-(CH 2 ) 2 —O-2′) BNA, (D) Aminooxy (4′-CH 2 —O—N(R)-2′) BNA, (E) Oxyamino (4′-CH 2 —N(R)—O-2′) BNA, (F) Methyl(methyleneoxy) (4′-CH(CH 3 )—O-2′) BNA, (G) methylene-thio (4′-CH 2 —S-2′) BNA, (H) methylene-amino (4′-CH2-N(R)-2′) BNA, (I) methyl carbocyclic (4′-CH 2 —CH(CH 3 )-2′) BNA, and (J) propylene carbocyclic (4′-(CH 2 ) 3 -2′) BNA as depicted below.

wherein Bx is the base moiety and R is, independently, H, a protecting group or C 1 -C 12 alkyl.

In certain embodiments, bicyclic nucleoside having Formula I:

wherein:

Bx is a heterocyclic base moiety;

-Q a -Q b -Q c - is —CH 2 —N(R c )—CH 2 —, —C(═O)—N(R c )—CH 2 —, —CH 2 —O—N(R c )—, —CH 2 —N(R c )—O—, or —N(R c )—O—CH 2 ;

R c is C 1 -C 12 alkyl or an amino protecting group; and

T a and T b are each, independently, H, a hydroxyl protecting group, a conjugate group, a reactive phosphorus group, a phosphorus moiety, or a covalent attachment to a support medium.

In certain embodiments, bicyclic nucleoside having Formula II:

wherein:

Bx is a heterocyclic base moiety;

T a and T b are each, independently, H, a hydroxyl protecting group, a conjugate group, a reactive phosphorus group, a phosphorus moiety, or a covalent attachment to a support medium;

Z a is C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, C 2 -C 6 alkynyl, substituted C 1 -C 6 alkyl, substituted C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, substituted C 2 -C 6 alkynyl, acyl, substituted acyl, substituted amide, thiol, or substituted thio.

In one embodiment, each of the substituted groups is, independently, mono or poly substituted with substituent groups independently selected from halogen, oxo, hydroxyl, OJ c , NJ c J d , SJ c , N 3 , OC(═X)J c , and NJ e C(═X)NJ c J d , wherein each J o J d , and J e is, independently, H, C 1 -C 6 alkyl, or substituted C 1 -C 6 alkyl and X is O or NJ c .

In certain embodiments, bicyclic nucleoside having Formula III:

wherein:

Bx is a heterocyclic base moiety;

T a and T b are each, independently, H, a hydroxyl protecting group, a conjugate group, a reactive phosphorus group, a phosphorus moiety, or a covalent attachment to a support medium;

Z b is C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, C 2 -C 6 alkynyl, substituted C 1 -C 6 alkyl, substituted C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, substituted C 2 -C 6 alkynyl, or substituted acyl (C(═O)—).

In certain embodiments, bicyclic nucleoside having Formula IV:

wherein:

Bx is a heterocyclic base moiety;

T a and T b are each, independently H, a hydroxyl protecting group, a conjugate group, a reactive phosphorus group, a phosphorus moiety, or a covalent attachment to a support medium;

R d is C 1 -C 6 alkyl, substituted C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, substituted C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, C 2 -C 6 alkynyl, or substituted C 2 -C 6 alkynyl;

each q a , q b , q c and q d is, independently, H, halogen, C 1 -C 6 alkyl, substituted C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, substituted C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, C 2 -C 6 alkynyl, or substituted C 2 -C 6 alkynyl, C 1 -C 6 alkoxyl, substituted C 1 -C 6 alkoxyl, acyl, substituted acyl, C 1 -C 6 aminoalkyl, or substituted C 1 -C 6 aminoalkyl;

In certain embodiments, bicyclic nucleoside having Formula V:

wherein:

Bx is a heterocyclic base moiety;

T a and T b are each, independently, H, a hydroxyl protecting group, a conjugate group, a reactive phosphorus group, a phosphorus moiety, or a covalent attachment to a support medium;

q a , q b , q e and q f are each, independently, hydrogen, halogen, C 1 -C 12 alkyl, substituted C 1 -C 12 alkyl, C 2 -C 12 alkenyl, substituted C 2 -C 12 alkenyl, C 2 -C 12 alkynyl, substituted C 2 -C 12 alkynyl, C 1 -C 12 alkoxy, substituted C 1 -C 12 alkoxy, OJ j , SJ j , SOJ j , SO 2 J j , NJ j J k , N 3 , CN, C(═O)OJ j , C(═O)NJ j J k , C(═O)J j , O—C(═O)NJ j J k , N(H)C(═NH)NJ j J k , N(H)C(═O)NJ j J k or N(H)C(═S)NJ j J k ;

or q e and q f together are ═C(q g )(q h );

q g and q h are each, independently, H, halogen, C 1 -C 12 alkyl, or substituted C 1 -C 12 alkyl.

The synthesis and preparation of the methyleneoxy (4′-CH 2 —O-2′) BNA monomers adenine, cytosine, guanine, 5-methyl-cytosine, thymine, and uracil, along with their oligomerization, and nucleic acid recognition properties have been described (see, e.g., Koshkin et al., Tetrahedron, 1998, 54, 3607-3630). BNAs and preparation thereof are also described in WO 98/39352 and WO 99/14226.

Analogs of methyleneoxy (4′-CH 2 —O-2′) BNA, methyleneoxy (4′-CH 2 —O-2′) BNA, and 2′-thio-BNAs, have also been prepared (see, e.g., Kumar et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett., 1998, 8, 2219-2222).

Preparation of locked nucleoside analogs comprising oligodeoxyribonucleotide duplexes as substrates for nucleic acid polymerases has also been described (see, e.g., Wengel et al., WO 99/14226). Furthermore, synthesis of 2′-amino-BNA, a novel comformationally restricted high-affinity oligonucleotide analog, has been described in the art (see, e.g., Singh et al., J. Org. Chem., 1998, 63, 10035-10039). In addition, 2′-amino- and 2′-methylamino-BNA's have been prepared and the thermal stability of their duplexes with complementary RNA and DNA strands has been previously reported.

In certain embodiments, bicyclic nucleoside having Formula VI:

wherein:

Bx is a heterocyclic base moiety;

T a and T b are each, independently, H, a hydroxyl protecting group, a conjugate group, a reactive phosphorus group, a phosphorus moiety, or a covalent attachment to a support medium;

each q i , q j , q k and q 1 is, independently, H, halogen, C 1 -C 12 alkyl, substituted C 1 -C 12 alkyl, C 2 -C 12 alkenyl, substituted C 2 -C 12 alkenyl, C 2 -C 12 alkynyl, substituted C 2 -C 12 alkynyl, C 1 -C 12 alkoxyl, substituted C 1 -C 12 alkoxyl, OJ j , SJ j , SOJ j , SO 2 J j , NJ j J k , N 3 , CN, C(═O)OJ j , C(═O)NJ j J k , C(═O)J j , O—C(═O)NJ j J k , N(H)C(═NH)NJ j J k , N(H)C(═O)NJ j J k , or N(H)C(═S)NJ j J k ; and

q i and q j or q 1 and q k together are ═C(q g )(q h ), wherein q g and q h are each, independently, H, halogen, C 1 -C 12 alkyl, or substituted C 1 -C 12 alkyl.

One carbocyclic bicyclic nucleoside having a 4′-(CH 2 ) 3 -2′ bridge and the alkenyl analog, bridge 4′-CH═CH—CH 2 -2′, have been described (see, e.g., Freier et al., Nucleic Acids Research, 1997, 25(22), 4429-4443 and Albaek et al., J. Org. Chem., 2006, 71, 7731-7740). The synthesis and preparation of carbocyclic bicyclic nucleosides along with their oligomerization and biochemical studies have also been described (see, e.g., Srivastava et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2007, 129(26), 8362-8379).

As used herein, “4′-2′ bicyclic nucleoside” or “4′ to 2′ bicyclic nucleoside” refers to a bicyclic nucleoside comprising a furanose ring comprising a bridge connecting the 2′ carbon atom and the 4′ carbon atom.

As used herein, “monocylic nucleosides” refer to nucleosides comprising modified sugar moieties that are not bicyclic sugar moieties. In certain embodiments, the sugar moiety, or sugar moiety analogue, of a nucleoside may be modified or substituted at any position.

As used herein, “2′-modified sugar” means a furanosyl sugar modified at the 2′ position. In certain embodiments, such modifications include substituents selected from: a halide, including, but not limited to substituted and unsubstituted alkoxy, substituted and unsubstituted thioalkyl, substituted and unsubstituted amino alkyl, substituted and unsubstituted alkyl, substituted and unsubstituted allyl, and substituted and unsubstituted alkynyl. In certain embodiments, 2′ modifications are selected from substituents including, but not limited to: O[(CH 2 ) n O] m CH 3 , O(CH 2 ) n NH 2 , O(CH 2 ) n CH 3 , O(CH 2 ) n ONH 2 , OCH 2 C(═O)N(H)CH 3 , and O(CH 2 ) n ON[(CH 2 ) n CH 3 ] 2 , where n and m are from 1 to about 10. Other 2′-substituent groups can also be selected from: C 1 -C 12 alkyl; substituted alkyl; alkenyl; alkynyl; alkaryl; aralkyl; O-alkaryl or O-aralkyl; SH; SCH 3 ; OCN; Cl; Br; CN; CF 3 ; OCF 3 ; SOCH 3 ; SO 2 CH 3 ; ONO 2 ; NO 2 ; N 3 ; NH 2 ; heterocycloalkyl; heterocycloalkaryl; aminoalkylamino; polyalkylamino; substituted silyl; an RNA cleaving group; a reporter group; an intercalator; a group for improving pharmacokinetic properties; and a group for improving the pharmacodynamic properties of an antisense compound, and other substituents having similar properties. In certain embodiments, modified nucleosides comprise a 2′-MOE side chain (see, e.g., Baker et al., J. Biol. Chem., 1997, 272, 11944-12000). Such 2′-MOE substitution have been described as having improved binding affinity compared to unmodified nucleosides and to other modified nucleosides, such as 2′-O-methyl, O-propyl, and O-aminopropyl. Oligonucleotides having the 2′-MOE substituent also have been shown to be antisense inhibitors of gene expression with promising features for in vivo use (see, e.g., Martin, P., Helv. Chim. Acta, 1995, 78, 486-504; Altmann et al., Chimia, 1996, 50, 168-176; Altmann et al., Biochem. Soc. Trans., 1996, 24, 630-637; and Altmann et al., Nucleosides Nucleotides, 1997, 16, 917-926).

As used herein, a “modified tetrahydropyran nucleoside” or “modified THP nucleoside” means a nucleoside having a six-membered tetrahydropyran “sugar” substituted in for the pentofuranosyl residue in normal nucleosides (a sugar surrogate). Modified THP nucleosides include, but are not limited to, what is referred to in the art as hexitol nucleic acid (HNA), anitol nucleic acid (ANA), manitol nucleic acid (MNA) (see Leumann, C J. Bioorg . & Med. Chem . (2002) 10:841-854), fluoro HNA (F-HNA), or those compounds having Formula X:

wherein independently for each of said at least one tetrahydropyran nucleoside analog of Formula X:

Bx is a heterocyclic base moiety;

T 3 and T 4 are each, independently, an internucleoside linking group linking the tetrahydropyran nucleoside analog to the antisense compound or one of T 3 and T 4 is an internucleoside linking group linking the tetrahydropyran nucleoside analog to the antisense compound and the other of T 3 and T 4 is H, a hydroxyl protecting group, a linked conjugate group, or a 5′ or 3′-terminal group;

q 1 , q 2 , q 3 , q 4 , q 5 , q 6 and q 7 are each, independently, H, C 1 -C 6 alkyl, substituted C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, substituted C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, C 2 -C 6 alkynyl, or substituted C 2 -C 6 alkynyl; and

one of R 1 and R 2 is hydrogen and the other is selected from halogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy, NJ 1 J 2 , SJ 1 , N 3 , OC(═X)J 1 , OC(')ONJ 1 J 2 , NJ 3 C(═X)NJ 1 J 2 , and CN, wherein X is O, S, or NJ I , and each J 1 , J 2 , and J 3 is, independently, H or C 1 -C 6 alkyl.

In certain embodiments, the modified THP nucleosides of Formula X are provided wherein q m , q n , q p , q r , q s , q t , and q u are each H. In certain embodiments, at least one of q m , q n , q o , q p , q r , q s , q t , and q u is other than H. In certain embodiments, at least one of q m , q n , q p , q r , q s , q t and q u is methyl. In certain embodiments, THP nucleosides of Formula X are provided wherein one of R 1 and R 2 is F. In certain embodiments, R 1 is fluoro and R 2 is H, R 1 is methoxy and R 2 is H, and R 1 is methoxyethoxy and R 2 is H.

As used herein, “2′-modified” or “2′-substituted” refers to a nucleoside comprising a sugar comprising a substituent at the 2′ position other than H or OH. 2′-modified nucleosides, include, but are not limited to, bicyclic nucleosides wherein the bridge connecting two carbon atoms of the sugar ring connects the 2′ carbon and another carbon of the sugar ring and nucleosides with non-bridging 2′ substituents, such as allyl, amino, azido, thio, O-allyl, O—C 1 -C 10 alkyl, —OCF 3 , O—(CH 2 ) 2 —O—CH 3 , 2′-O(CH 2 ) 2 SCH 3 , O—(CH 2 ) 2 —O—N(R m )(R n ), or O—CH 2 —C(═O)—N(R m )(R n ), where each R m and R n is, independently, H or substituted or unsubstituted C 1 -C 10 alkyl. 2′-modified nucleosides may further comprise other modifications, for example, at other positions of the sugar and/or at the nucleobase.

As used herein, “2′-F” refers to a sugar comprising a fluoro group at the 2′ position.

As used herein, “2′-OMe” or “2′-OCH 3 ” or “2′-O-methyl” each refers to a nucleoside comprising a sugar comprising an —OCH 3 group at the 2′ position of the sugar ring.

As used herein, “oligonucleotide” refers to a compound comprising a plurality of linked nucleosides.

In certain embodiments, one or more of the plurality of nucleosides is modified. In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide comprises one or more ribonucleosides (RNA) and/or deoxyribonucleosides (DNA).

Many other bicyclo and tricyclo sugar surrogate ring systems are also known in the art that can be used to modify nucleosides for incorporation into antisense compounds (see, e.g., review article: Leumann, J. C, Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, 2002, 10, 841-854). Such ring systems can undergo various additional substitutions to enhance activity.

Methods for the preparations of modified sugars are well known to those skilled in the art.

In nucleotides having modified sugar moieties, the nucleobase moieties (natural, modified, or a combination thereof) are maintained for hybridization with an appropriate nucleic acid target.

In certain embodiments, antisense compounds comprise one or more nucleotides having modified sugar moieties. In certain embodiments, the modified sugar moiety is 2′-MOE. In certain embodiments, the 2′-MOE modified nucleotides are arranged in a gapmer motif. In certain embodiments, the modified sugar moiety is a cEt. In certain embodiments, the cEt modified nucleotides are arranged throughout the wings of a gapmer motif.

Compositions and Methods for Formulating Pharmaceutical Compositions

Antisense oligonucleotides may be admixed with pharmaceutically acceptable active or inert substances for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions or formulations. Compositions and methods for the formulation of pharmaceutical compositions are dependent upon a number of criteria, including, but not limited to, route of administration, extent of disease, or dose to be administered.

An antisense compound targeted to a STAT3 nucleic acid can be utilized in pharmaceutical compositions by combining the antisense compound with a suitable pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier. A pharmaceutically acceptable diluent includes phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). PBS is a diluent suitable for use in compositions to be delivered parenterally. Accordingly, in one embodiment, employed in the methods described herein is a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antisense compound targeted to a STAT3 nucleic acid and a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutically acceptable diluent is PBS. In certain embodiments, the antisense compound is an antisense oligonucleotide.

Pharmaceutical compositions comprising antisense compounds encompass any pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, or salts of such esters, or any other oligonucleotide which, upon administration to an animal, including a human, is capable of providing (directly or indirectly) the biologically active metabolite or residue thereof. Accordingly, for example, the disclosure is also drawn to pharmaceutically acceptable salts of antisense compounds, prodrugs, pharmaceutically acceptable salts of such prodrugs, and other bioequivalents. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, but are not limited to, sodium and potassium salts.

A prodrug can include the incorporation of additional nucleosides at one or both ends of an antisense compound which are cleaved by endogenous nucleases within the body, to form the active antisense compound.

Conjugated Antisense Compounds

Antisense compounds may be covalently linked to one or more moieties or conjugates which enhance the activity, cellular distribution or cellular uptake of the resulting antisense oligonucleotides. Typical conjugate groups include cholesterol moieties and lipid moieties. Additional conjugate groups include carbohydrates, phospholipids, biotin, phenazine, folate, phenanthridine, anthraquinone, acridine, fluoresceins, rhodamines, coumarins, and dyes.

Antisense compounds can also be modified to have one or more stabilizing groups that are generally attached to one or both termini of antisense compounds to enhance properties such as, for example, nuclease stability. Included in stabilizing groups are cap structures. These terminal modifications protect the antisense compound having terminal nucleic acid from exonuclease degradation, and can help in delivery and/or localization within a cell. The cap can be present at the 5′-terminus (5′-cap), or at the 3′-terminus (3′-cap), or can be present on both termini. Cap structures are well known in the art and include, for example, inverted deoxy a basic caps. Further 3′ and 5′-stabilizing groups that can be used to cap one or both ends of an antisense compound to impart nuclease stability include those disclosed in WO 03/004602 published on Jan. 16, 2003.

Cell Culture and Antisense Compounds Treatment

The effects of antisense compounds on the level, activity or expression of STAT3 nucleic acids can be tested in vitro in a variety of cell types. Cell types used for such analyses are available from commercial vendors (e.g. American Type Culture Collection, Manassus, Va.; Zen-Bio, Inc., Research Triangle Park, N.C.; Clonetics Corporation, Walkersville, Md.) and are cultured according to the vendor's instructions using commercially available reagents (e.g. Invitrogen Life Technologies, Carlsbad, Calif.). Illustrative cell types include, but are not limited to, HuVEC cells, b.END cells, HepG2 cells, Hep3B cells, and primary hepatocytes.

In Vitro Testing of Antisense Oligonucleotides

Described herein are methods for treatment of cells with antisense oligonucleotides, which can be modified appropriately for treatment with other antisense compounds.

Cells may be treated with antisense oligonucleotides when the cells reach approximately 60-80% confluency in culture.

One reagent commonly used to introduce antisense oligonucleotides into cultured cells includes the cationic lipid transfection reagent LIPOFECTIN (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.). Antisense oligonucleotides may be mixed with LIPOFECTIN in OPTI-MEM 1 (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.) to achieve the desired final concentration of antisense oligonucleotide and a LIPOFECTIN concentration that may range from 2 to 12 ug/mL per 100 nM antisense oligonucleotide.

Another reagent used to introduce antisense oligonucleotides into cultured cells includes LIPOFECTAMINE (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.). Antisense oligonucleotide is mixed with LIPOFECTAMINE in OPTI-MEM 1 reduced serum medium (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.) to achieve the desired concentration of antisense oligonucleotide and a LIPOFECTAMINE concentration that may range from 2 to 12 ug/mL per 100 nM antisense oligonucleotide.

Another technique used to introduce antisense oligonucleotides into cultured cells includes electroporation.

Cells are treated with antisense oligonucleotides by routine methods. Cells may be harvested 16-24 hours after antisense oligonucleotide treatment, at which time RNA or protein levels of target nucleic acids are measured by methods known in the art and described herein. In general, when treatments are performed in multiple replicates, the data are presented as the average of the replicate treatments.

The concentration of antisense oligonucleotide used varies from cell line to cell line. Methods to determine the optimal antisense oligonucleotide concentration for a particular cell line are well known in the art. Antisense oligonucleotides are typically used at concentrations ranging from 1 nM to 300 nM when transfected with LIPOFECTAMINE. Antisense oligonucleotides are used at higher concentrations ranging from 625 to 20,000 nM when transfected using electroporation.

Free Uptake Assays

In certain embodiments, transfection-independent activity (i.e., free uptake) of antisense oligonucleotides in cancer cell lines is a measure of potency. Free uptake may be measured in cancer cell lines such as, for example, SK-BR-3 cells, U251-MG cells, MDA-MB-231 cells, 11460 cells, A431 cells, colo205 cells, SNB-19 cells, SK-OV3 cells, H1993 lung cancer cells, 11358 lung cancer cells, PC-9 lung cancer cells, KHM-35 lung cancer cells, Capan-1 pancreatic cancer cells, HPAF-11 pancreatic cancer cells, and Colo 201 colorectal cancer cells.

In free uptake assays, antisense oligonucleotides are administered to cells lines without the aid of a transfection agent or electroporation. Antisense oligonucleotides are administered to cell lines at one or more doses and percent inhibition of target mRNA or protein expression is measured. Where multiple doses are administered, IC50 may be measured. In certain embodiments, antisense oligonucleotides exhibiting a high degree of potency, as measured by percent inhibition after single dose or multiple doses, are preferred over antisense oligonucleotides exhibiting a lower degree of potency. Those antisense oligonucleotides exhibiting a high degree of in vitro potency are more likely to exhibit in vivo potency.

RNA Isolation

RNA analysis can be performed on total cellular RNA or poly(A)+ mRNA. Methods of RNA isolation are well known in the art. RNA is prepared using methods well known in the art, for example, using the TRIZOL Reagent (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.) according to the manufacturer's recommended protocols.

Analysis of Inhibition of Target Levels or Expression

Inhibition of levels or expression of a STAT3 nucleic acid can be assayed in a variety of ways known in the art. For example, target nucleic acid levels can be quantitated by, e.g., Northern blot analysis, competitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR), or quantitative real-time PCR. RNA analysis can be performed on total cellular RNA or poly(A)+ mRNA. Methods of RNA isolation are well known in the art. Northern blot analysis is also routine in the art. Quantitative real-time PCR can be conveniently accomplished using the commercially available ABI PRISM 7600, 7700, or 7900 Sequence Detection System, available from PE-Applied Biosystems, Foster City, Calif. and used according to manufacturer's instructions.

Quantitative Real-Time PCR Analysis of Target RNA Levels

Quantitation of target RNA levels may be accomplished by quantitative real-time PCR using the ABI PRISM 7600, 7700, or 7900 Sequence Detection System (PE-Applied Biosystems, Foster City, Calif.) according to manufacturer's instructions. Methods of quantitative real-time PCR are well known in the art.

Prior to real-time PCR, the isolated RNA is subjected to a reverse transcriptase (RT) reaction, which produces complementary DNA (cDNA) that is then used as the substrate for the real-time PCR amplification. The RT and real-time PCR reactions are performed sequentially in the same sample well. RT and real-time PCR reagents may be obtained from Invitrogen (Carlsbad, Calif.). RT real-time-PCR reactions are carried out by methods well known to those skilled in the art.

Gene (or RNA) target quantities obtained by real time PCR are normalized using either the expression level of a gene whose expression is constant, such as cyclophilin A, or by quantifying total RNA using RIBOGREEN (Invitrogen, Inc. Carlsbad, Calif.). Cyclophilin A expression is quantified by real time PCR, by being run simultaneously with the target, multiplexing, or separately. Total RNA is quantified using RIBOGREEN RNA quantification reagent (Invetrogen, Inc. Eugene, Oreg.). Methods of RNA quantification by RIBOGREEN are taught in Jones, L. J., et al, (Analytical Biochemistry, 1998, 265, 368-374). A CYTOFLUOR 4000 instrument (PE Applied Biosystems) is used to measure RIBOGREEN fluorescence.

Probes and primers are designed to hybridize to a STAT3 nucleic acid. Methods for designing real-time PCR probes and primers are well known in the art, and may include the use of software such as PRIMER EXPRESS Software (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, Calif.).

Analysis of Protein Levels

Antisense inhibition of STAT3 nucleic acids can be assessed by measuring STAT3 protein levels. Protein levels of STAT3 can be evaluated or quantitated in a variety of ways well known in the art, such as immunoprecipitation, Western blot analysis (immunoblotting), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), quantitative protein assays, protein activity assays (for example, caspase activity assays), immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry or fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Antibodies directed to a target can be identified and obtained from a variety of sources, such as the MSRS catalog of antibodies (Aerie Corporation, Birmingham, Mich.), or can be prepared via conventional monoclonal or polyclonal antibody generation methods well known in the art. Antibodies useful for the detection of mouse, rat, monkey, and human STAT3 are commercially available.

In Vivo Testing of Antisense Compounds

Antisense compounds, for example, antisense oligonucleotides, are tested in animals to assess their ability to inhibit expression of STAT3 and produce phenotypic changes, such as, reduced cellular growth, amelioration of symptoms associated with cancer, reduction of cachexia, and reduction of cancer markers. Testing may be performed in normal animals, or in experimental disease models. For administration to animals, antisense oligonucleotides are formulated in a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent, such as phosphate-buffered saline. Administration includes parenteral routes of administration, such as intraperitoneal, intravenous, subcutaneous, intrathecal, and intracerebroventricular. Calculation of antisense oligonucleotide dosage and dosing frequency is within the abilities of those skilled in the art, and depends upon factors such as route of administration and animal body weight. Following a period of treatment with antisense oligonucleotides, RNA is isolated from liver tissue and changes in STAT3 nucleic acid expression are measured. Changes in STAT3 protein levels are also measured.

In certain embodiments, xenograft tumor models are used to measure the effect of antisense oligonucleotides on tumor growth and metastasis. In xenograft tumor model described herein, cells from a cancerous cell line are inoculated into an animal. Such cell lines may include, for example, human breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-231, A431 human epidermoid carcinoma, U251 human glioma tumor cells, and human NCI-H460 non-small cell lung carcinoma cells. Certain compounds described herein and used in xenograft models described herein may target human STAT3, mouse STAT3, rat STAT3, and/or monkey STAT3. Certain compounds described herein and used in xenograft models described herein may cross-react with one or more species STAT3. In certain embodiments, compounds described herein and used in xenograft models described herein may be more potent inhibitors of tumor growth and tumor volume than the data suggests wherein endogenous STAT3 is not reduced (due to lack of cross-reactivity).

Certain Indications

In certain embodiments, provided are methods, compounds, and compositions of treating an individual comprising administering one or more pharmaceutical compositions provided herein. In certain embodiments, the individual has a hyperproliferative disease. In certain embodiments, the hyperproliferative disease is cancer, e.g., carcinomas, sarcomas, lymphomas, and leukemias as well as associated malignancies and metastases. In certain embodiments, the type of cancer is lung cancer, including non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, multiple myeloma, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), glioblastoma, ovarian cancer, osteosarcoma, head and neck cancer, breast cancer, epidermoid carcinomas, intestinal adenomas, prostate cancer, and gastric cancer. In certain embodiments, the individual is at risk for a hyperproliferative disease, including, cancer, e.g., carcinomas, sarcomas, lymphomas, and leukemias as well as associated malignancies and metastases. This includes individuals having one or more risk factors for developing a hyperproliferative disease, including, growing older; tobacco use; exposure to sunlight and ionizing radiation; contact with certain chemicals; infection with certain viruses and bacteria; certain hormone therapies; genetic predisposition; alcohol use; and certain lifestyle choices including poor diet, lack of physical activity, and/or being overweight. In certain embodiments, the individual has been identified as in need of treatment for a hyperproliferative disease. In certain embodiments, are provided methods for prophylactically reducing STAT3 expression in an individual. Certain embodiments include treating an individual in need thereof by administering to an individual a therapeutically effective amount of an antisense compound targeted to a STAT3 nucleic acid.

In certain embodiments, treatment with the methods, compounds, and compositions described herein is useful for preventing metastasis of a cancer associated with the upregulation of certain genes, such as STAT3, at the tumor bone interface to bone. In certain embodiments, treatment with the methods, compounds, and compositions described herein is useful for preventing cancer from metastasizing to bone. In certain embodiments, treatment with the methods, compounds, and compositions described herein is useful for preventing renal cell carcinoma, breast cancer, non small cell lung carcinoma, and prostate cancer from metastasizing to bone.

In one embodiment, administration of a therapeutically effective amount of an antisense compound targeted to a STAT3 nucleic acid is accompanied by monitoring of STAT3 levels in the serum of an individual to determine an individual's response to administration of the antisense compound. An individual's response to administration of the antisense compound is used by a physician to determine the amount and duration of therapeutic intervention.

In certain embodiments, administration of an antisense compound targeted to a STAT3 nucleic acid results in reduction of STAT3 expression by at least 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 99%, or a range defined by any two of these values. In certain embodiments, administration of an antisense compound targeted to a STAT3 nucleic acid results in reduced cellular growth, reduced tumor growth, reduced tumor volume, amelioration of symptoms associated with cancer, and reduction of cancer markers. In certain embodiments, administration of a STAT3 antisense compound decreases cellular growth, tumor growth, and tumor volume by at least 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 99%, or a range defined by any two of these values.

In certain embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions comprising an antisense compound targeted to STAT3 are used for the preparation of a medicament for treating a patient suffering or susceptible to a hyperproliferative disease.

Certain Combination Therapies

In certain embodiments, one or more pharmaceutical compositions provided herein are co-administered with one or more other pharmaceutical agents. In certain embodiments, such one or more other pharmaceutical agents are designed to treat the same disease, disorder, or condition as the one or more pharmaceutical compositions provided herein. In certain embodiments, such one or more other pharmaceutical agents are designed to treat a different disease, disorder, or condition as the one or more pharmaceutical compositions provided herein. In certain embodiments, such one or more other pharmaceutical agents are designed to treat an undesired side effect of one or more pharmaceutical compositions provided herein. In certain embodiments, one or more pharmaceutical compositions provided herein are co-administered with another pharmaceutical agent to treat an undesired effect of that other pharmaceutical agent. In certain embodiments, one or more pharmaceutical compositions provided herein are co-administered with another pharmaceutical agent to produce a combinational effect. In certain embodiments, one or more pharmaceutical compositions provided herein are co-administered with another pharmaceutical agent to produce a synergistic effect.

In certain embodiments, one or more pharmaceutical compositions provided herein and one or more other pharmaceutical agents are administered at the same time. In certain embodiments, one or more pharmaceutical compositions provided herein and one or more other pharmaceutical agents are administered at different times. In certain embodiments, one or more pharmaceutical compositions provided herein and one or more other pharmaceutical agents are prepared together in a single formulation. In certain embodiments, one or more pharmaceutical compositions provided herein and one or more other pharmaceutical agents are prepared separately. In certain embodiments, one or more other pharmaceutical agents include all-trans retinoic acid, azacitidine, azathioprine, bleomycin, carboplatin, capecitabine, cisplatin, chlorambucil, cyclophosphamide, cytarabine, daunorubicin, docetaxel, doxifluridine, doxorubicin, epirubicin, epothilone, etoposide, fluorouracil, gemcitabine, hydroxyurea, idarubicin, imatinib, mechlorethamine, mercaptopurine, methotrexate, mitoxantrone, oxaliplatin, paclitaxel, pemetrexed, teniposide, tioguanine, valrubicin, vinblastine, vincristine, vindesine, or vinorelbine. In certain embodiments, one or more other pharmaceutical agents include another antisense oligonucleotide. In certain embodiments, another antisense oligonucleotide is a second STAT3 antisense oligonucleotide.

In certain embodiments, one or more other pharmaceutical agents include molecular targeted therapies. In certain embodiments, the molecular targeted therapy is an EGFR inhibitor, a mTOR inhibitor, a HER2 inhibitor, or a VEGFNEGFR inhibitor. In certain embodiments, EGFR inhibitors include gefitinib, erlotinib, lapatinib, cetuximab, panitumumbo. In certain embodiments, mTOR inhibitors include everolimus and temsirolimus. In certain embodiments, HER2 inhibitors include trastuzumab and lapatinib. In certain embodiments, VEGFNEGFR inhibitors include pazopanib, bevacizumab, sunitinib, and sorafenib.

In certain embodiments, one more pharmaceutical compositions provided herein are administered with radiation therapy. In certain embodiments, one or more pharmaceutical compositions are administered at the same time as radiation therapy. In certain embodiments, one or more pharmaceutical compositions are administered before radiation therapy. In certain embodiments, one or more pharmaceutical compositions are administered after radiation therapy. In certain embodiments, one or more pharmaceutical compositions are administered at various time points throughout a radiation therapy regimen.

In certain embodiments, radiation therapy is useful for inhibiting tumor growth. In certain embodiments, radiation therapy is useful for increasing overall survival. In certain embodiments, radiation therapy used in conjunction with administration of one or more pharmaceuticals provided herein is advantageous over using either therapy alone because both radiation therapy and administration with one or more pharmaceuticals can be limited to achieve effective antiproliferative response with limited toxicity.

In certain embodiments, a physician designs a therapy regimen including both radiation therapy and administration of one more pharmaceutical compositions provided herein. In certain embodiments, a physician designs a therapy regimen including radiation therapy, administration of one or more pharmaceutical compositions provided herein, and administration of one or more other chemotherapeutic agents.

Tolerability

In certain embodiments, the compounds provided herein display minimal side effects. Side effects include responses to the administration of the antisense compound that are typically unrelated to the targeting of STAT3, such as an inflammatory response in the animal. In certain embodiments compounds are well tolerated by the animal. Increased tolerability can depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the nucleotide sequence of the antisense compound, chemical modifications to the nucleotides, the particular motif of unmodified and modified nucleosides in the antisense compound, or combinations thereof. Tolerability may be determined by a number of factors. Such factors include body weight, organ weight, liver function, kidney function, platelet count, white blood cell count.

In certain embodiments, the compounds provided herein demonstrate minimal effect on organ weight. In certain embodiments, the compounds demonstrate less than a 7-fold, 6-fold, 5-fold, 4-fold, 3-fold, 2-fold or no significant increase in spleen and/or liver weight.

In certain embodiments, the compounds provided herein demonstrate minimal effect on liver function. Factors for the evaluation of liver function include ALT levels, AST levels, plasma bilirubin levels and plasma albumin levels. In certain embodiments the compounds provided herein demonstrate less than a 7-fold, less than a 6-fold, less than a 5-fold, less than a 4-fold, less than a 3-fold or less than a 2-fold or no significant increase in ALT or AST. In certain embodiments the compounds provided herein demonstrate less than a 3-fold, less than a 2-fold or no significant increase in plasma bilirubin levels.

In certain embodiments, the compounds provided herein demonstrate minimal effect on kidney function. In certain embodiments, the compounds provided herein demonstrate less than a 3-fold, less than a 2-fold, or no significant increase in plasma concentrations of blood urea nitrogen (BUN). In certain embodiments, the compounds provided herein demonstrate less than a 6-fold, 5-fold, 4-fold, 3-fold, 2-fold, or no significant increase in the ratio of urine protein to creatinine.

In certain embodiments, the compounds provided herein demonstrate minimal effect on hematological factors. In certain embodiments, the compounds provided herein demonstrate less than a 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10% or 5% decrease in platelet count. In certain embodiments, the compounds provided herein demonstrate less than a 4-fold, less than a 3-fold, less than a 2-fold or no significant increase in monocyte count.

In certain embodiments compounds further display favorable pharmacokinetics. In certain embodiments, antisense compounds exhibit relatively high half-lives in relevant biological fluids or tissues.

In certain embodiments, compounds or compositions further display favorable viscosity. In certain embodiments, the viscosity of the compound or composition is no more than 40cP at a concentration of 165-185 mg/mL.

In other embodiments, the compounds display combinations of the characteristics above and reduce STAT3 mRNA expression in an animal model with high efficiency.

Non-Limiting Disclosure and Incorporation by Reference

While certain compounds, compositions and methods described herein have been described with specificity in accordance with certain embodiments, the following examples serve only to illustrate the compounds described herein and are not intended to limit the same. Each of the references recited in the present application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Human ovarian cancer SK-OV3 cells (approximately 100 mm 3 ) were intraperitoneally injected into nude mice. Ten days later, the mice were inoculated subcutaneously with 25 mg/kg of ISIS 481464 or ISIS 481549, administered twice a week for 11 weeks. The mice were euthanized 24 hrs after the final dose.

RNA Analysis

Lysates were prepared by using the RNA extraction kit (Invitrogen) in for RT-PCR analysis of STAT3 mRNA levels, using human primer probe set (RTS2033) and mouse primer probe set (mSTAT3-LTS0664). The results are presented in Table 43. The results are presented as percent inhibition of STAT3, relative to the PBS control. The data indicates that treatment with ISIS antisense oligonucleotides resulted in reduction of both human and murine STAT3 mRNA in comparison to the PBS control.

Protein Analysis

Lysates were prepared with RIPA buffer for western blot analysis of STAT3 protein levels, using an antibody against phosphorylated STAT3 (Cell Signaling). The data indicates that treatment with ISIS 481549 resulted in reduction of phosphorylated STAT3 protein in comparison to the PBS control.

IL-6 Level Analysis

Lysates were prepared by using the RNA extraction kit (Invitrogen) for RT-PCR analysis of IL-6 mRNA levels, using mouse primer probe set mIL6-LTS00629. The results are presented in Table 44. The results are presented as percent inhibition of IL-6, relative to the PBS control. The data indicates that treatment with ISIS 481549 resulted in significant reduction of both IL-6 mRNA in comparison to the PBS control.

Tumor Weight Analysis

Tumors were harvested. Tumor weights were measured and the results are presented in Table 45. The results are presented as percent of the PBS control tumor weight. The data indicates that treatment with ISIS 481549 resulted in significant reduction of tumor weight in comparison to the PBS control.

Human ovarian cancer SK-OV3 cells (approximately 100 mm 3 ) were subcutaneously inoculated into nude mice. Ten days later, the mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with 50 mg/kg of either ISIS 481464 or 50 mg/kg of ISIS 481464 and ISIS 481549 in combination, administered five times a week for 6 weeks. The mice were euthanized 24 hrs after the final dose.

Tumor Volume Analysis

Tumors were measured regularly using Vernier calipers and tumor volumes were calculated using the formula, tumor volume=½ (length× width 2 ). The data indicates that treatment of the mice with a combination of ISIS 481464 and ISIS 481549 resulted in significant inhibition of tumor growth.