Modified TGF-beta oligonucleotide for use in a method of preventing and/or treating an ophthalmic disease

This application claims the priority of PCT/EP2014/056222, filed on Mar. 27, 2014, which claims priority to European Patent Application No. 13161474.5, filed on Mar. 27, 2013; European Patent Application No. 13173078.0, filed on Jun. 20, 2013; European Patent Application No. 13199826.2, filed on Dec. 30, 2013; European Patent Application No. 13199831.2, tiled on Dec. 30, 2013; and European Patent Application 13199838.7, filed on Dec. 30, 2013, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated in total by reference.

This application incorporates by reference the Sequence Listing contained in an ASCII text file named “362346_00028_SeqList.txt” submitted via EFS-Web. The text file was created on Sept. 24, 2015, and is 100 kb in size.

The invention is directed to a TGF-beta oligonucleotide comprising a bridged nucleotide, polyalkylene oxide-, 2′-fluoro, 2′-O-methoxy and/or 2′-O-methyl modified nucleotide for use in a method of preventing and/or treating an ophthalmic disease.

Technical Background

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), a multifunctional growth factor that for example controls proliferation or cellular differentiation, is one of the most important ligands involved in the regulation of cell behavior in ocular tissues in physiological or pathological processes of development or tissue repair, although various other growth factors are also involved. Increased activity of this ligand may induce unfavorable inflammatory responses and tissue fibrosis. In mammals, three isoforms of TGF-beta, that is beta1, beta2, and beta3, are known. In most cases, TGF-beta enhances extracellular matrix production and suppresses cell proliferation. Moreover, TGF-beta is capable of inducing a number of growth factors, that is connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), as well as TGF-beta1 itself. All these factors have important roles in restoration of normal tissue following injury.

The aqueous humor that bathes the inner ocular structures (corneal endothelium, iris, crystalline lens, trabecular meshwork, and retina) contains various cytokines and growth factors. TGF-beta, in particular TGF-beta2, is the predominant cytokine. Physiologically, TGF-beta is mainly produced in the ciliary epithelium and lens epithelium as a latent, inactive, form consisting of mature TGF-beta, the latency-associated peptide (LAP) (small latent form), and the latent-TGF-beta-binding protein (LTBP). Heterogeneous expression patterns of each TGF-beta isoform in the crystalline lens have been reported in humans and animals. During the clinical course of various ocular diseases, the concentration of TGF-beta2 in the aqueous humor changes. For example, in an eye with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), a disorder of post-retinal detachment and retinal fibrosis, the concentration of TGF-beta2 in the vitreous humor increases in association with the progression of retinal fibrosis. The concentration of total and active TGF-beta2 is also higher in patients with diabetic retinopathy and open-angle glaucoma than in normal subjects. In diabetic retinopathy, chronic obstruction of retinal microvessels induces upregulation of VEGF and chemotaxis of macrophages, a potent source of TGF-beta. VEGF and TGF-beta cooperate to induce both retinal neovascularization and fibrosis around these new vessels, which may potentially cause retinal detachment or bleeding. Increased TGF-beta2 levels induce matrix expression and deposition in trabecular meshwork cells, leading to obstruction of the aqueous drainage route and an increase of intraocular pressure in a glaucomatous eye. In each of these examples, TGF-beta plays a role in disease pathogenesis. In eyes with pseudoexforiation syndrome, a kind of glaucoma with deposition of exforiative material on the lens, iris, or trabecular meshwork, the level of TGF-beta1 increases, but the exact role of TGF-beta1 in the pathogenesis of this disease is unknown (see Shizuya Saika, Laborartory Investigation (2006), 86, 106-115).

TGF-beta is one of the most potent regulators of the production and deposition of extracellular matrix. It stimulates the production and affects the adhesive properties of the extracellular matrix by two major mechanisms. First, TGF-beta stimulates fibroblasts and other cells to produce extracellular-matrix proteins and cell-adhesion proteins, including collagen, fibronectin, and integrins. Second, TGF-beta decreases the production of enzymes that degrade the extracellular matrix, including collagenase, heparinase, and stromelysin, and increases the production of proteins that inhibit enzymes that degrade the extracellular matrix, including plasminogen-activator inhibitor type 1 and tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease. The net effect of these changes is to increase the production of extracellular-matrix proteins and either to increase or to decrease the adhesive properties of cells in a cell-specific manner (see Blobe G C et al., May 2000, “Role of transforming growth factor beta in human disease”, N. Engl. J. Med. 342 (18), 1350-1358).

Targeting TGF-beta has been proposed as a potential therapeutic measure for example in glaucoma. Concerning various aspects of TGF-beta in the pathogenesis of glaucoma, therapies should be directed to modulate its production, activation, interaction with receptors, downstream intracellular regulatory mechanisms and/or the final structural and ECM changes (see Prendes M A et al., Br J Ophthalmol (2013), 97, 680-686).

Glaucoma (GCM), based upon chronically increased intraocular pressure, is a progressive optic neuropathy characterized by progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells, which manifests clinically with loss of optic disc neuroretinal rim tissue, defects in the retinal nerve fiber layer, and deficits on functional visual field testing (see Danesh-Meyer et al., Ophthalmol. 2006, 113: 603-611). Glaucoma is the second leading cause for blindness in the adult in the USA. Despite a multitude of treatment options, including surgical procedures in referactory patients, blindness remains a major threat. Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most common form of glaucoma in the USA. Worldwide, in the year 2000 the number of people with POAG has been estimated at nearly 66.8 million with 6.7 million having bilateral blindness (see Quingley, Br J Ophthalmol. 1996 May; 80(5):389-393).

Cataract surgery is the most common ophthalmic surgical procedure. Alone in the USA, up to 3.000.000 cataract surgeries are performed per year. The US government spends currently more than USD 3 billion per year on treating cataract (Medicare patients only). The lens of the eye is removed by the procedure, and an intraocular lens is implanted. The lens capsule remains in situ, and the posterior part of the capsule frequently develops posterior capsule opacification (PCO) due to mechanical disruption and potential other factors associated with lens replacement. This condition occurs in 20 to 40% of PCO patients, YAG-laser posterior capsulotomy (rates depend on country, lens type used and surgical experience) is performed within the first two years, to remove the opacification (see Johansson B et al., Br J Ophthalmol (2010), 94, 450-455; Mathew R G et al., Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging (2010), 41, 651-655). The use of the YAG-laser is associated with distinct risks, including retinal detachment (1-3%), cystoid macular oedema (up to 5%) and secondary glaucoma (see Billotte C and Berdeaux G, J Cataract Refract Surg (2004), 30(10), 2064-2071).

TGF-beta has been closely associated with the pathophysiology of both, GCM and PCO; so far, the effect of the TGF-beta protein has been inhibited by ALK5 inhibitors as for example described in WO 2009/146408 or antibodies directed to TGF-beta, i.e., one of its isoforms, which are disclosed for example in WO 2012/167143. None of these compounds has so far been successful in effective inhibiting TGF-beta in the eye, and thus, to be successful in the prevention and/or treatment of ophthalmic diseases such as GCM or PCO.

It is the objective of the present invention to provide an oligonucleotide, preferably an antisense oligonucleotide, which is specifically inhibiting the expression of TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, and/or TGF-beta3 mRNA, TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 mRNA, or TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta3 mRNA, or TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3 mRNA, and consequently is highly efficient for use in prevention and/or treatment of an ophthalmic disease without causing any (severe) side effects.

The present invention refers to the use of a TGF-beta oligonucleotides, preferably a TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, and/or TGF-beta3 antisense oligonucleotide for use in a method for treating an ophthalmic disease such as dry eye, glaucoma or posterior capsule opacification.

The TGF-beta oligonucleotide consists of 10 to 20, preferably 12 to 18 nucleotides of the TGF-beta1 nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 1 (see FIG. 1 ), or of the TGF-beta2 nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 2 (see FIG. 2 ), or of the TGF-beta3 nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 3 (see FIG. 3 ), wherein one or more nucleotide(s) of the oligonucleotide is/are modified. Some of the oligonucleotides of the present invention correspond to TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, and TGF-beta3, or to TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2, or TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta3, or TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3, and hybridize with one or more of these sequences.

In particular, oligonucleotides for use in the present invention comprise or consist of 10 to 20, more preferred of 12 to 18 nucleotides of the region of nucleic acid no. 1380 to 1510 of SEQ ID NO. 2, wherein one or more nucleotide(s) of the oligonucleotide is/are modified. These oligonucleotides are highly effective in the reduction and inhibition of TGF-beta2 expression and activity, respectively. A preferred oligonucleotide comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 5 (e.g., ASPH36: GACCAGATGCAGGA), SEQ ID NO. 6 (e.g., ASPH80: GCGACCGTGACCAGAT), SEQ ID NO. 7 (e.g., ASPH98: GCGCGACCGTGACC), SEQ ID NO. 8 (e.g., ASPH111: AGCGCGACCGTGA), or SEQ ID NO. 9 (e.g., ASPH121 or ASPH153: GACCGTGACCAGAT), SEQ ID NO. 10 (e.g., ASPH15: CTGCCCGCGGAT), SEQ ID NO. 11 (e.g., ASPH17: TCTGCCCGCGGAT), SEQ ID NO. 12 (e.g., ASPH26 or ASPH27: GGATCTGCCCGCGGA), SEQ ID NO. 13 (e.g., ASPH37: CTTGCTCAGGATCTGCC), SEQ ID NO. 14 (e.g., ASPH52 or 53: GCTCAGGATCTGCCCGCGGA), SEQ ID NO. 15 (e.g., ASPH112: GGATCGCCTCGAT), SEQ ID NO. 16 (e.g., ASPH119: CCGCGGATCGCC), or SEQ ID NO. 34 (e.g., ASPH30: CGATCCTCTTGCGCAT).

In another embodiment the invention refers to an oligonucleotide, comprising or consisting of 10 to 20, more preferred of 12 to 18 nucleotides of the region of nucleic acid no. 2740 to 2810 of the TGF-beta2 nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 2 wherein one or more nucleotide(s) of the oligonucleotide is/are modified. These oligonucleotides are highly effective in the reduction and inhibition of TGF-beta2 expression and activity, respectively. A preferred oligonucleotide comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 60 (e.g., ASPH65: TCTGAACTAGTACCGCC), SEQ ID NO. 76 (e.g., ASPH82: AACTAGTACCGCCTTT), or SEQ ID NO. 106 (e.g., ASPH115: CTAGTACCGCCTT).

In a further embodiment the invention refers to an oligonucleotide, comprising or consisting of 10 to 20, more preferred of 12 to 18 nucleotides of the region of nucleic acid no. 1660 to 1680 of the TGF-beta2 nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 2 wherein one or more nucleotide(s) of the oligonucleotide is/are modified. These oligonucleotides are highly effective in the reduction and inhibition of TGF-beta1 and/or TGF-beta2 expression and activity, respectively. A preferred oligonucleotide comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 17 (e.g., ASHP01 or ASPH02: ACCTCCTTGGCGTAGTA), SEQ ID NO. 18 (e.g., ASPH03 or ASPH04: CCTCCTTGGCGTAGTA), SEQ ID NO. 19 (e.g., ASPH05, ASPH06, or ASPH07: CTCCTTGGCGTAGTA), or SEQ ID NO.20 (e.g., ASPH08: TCCTTGGCGTAGTA).

In another embodiment the invention relates to an oligonucleotide, comprising or consisting of 10 to 20, more preferred of 12 to 18 nucleotides, most preferably 13 nucleotides of the region of nucleic acid no. 2390 to 2410 of the TGF-beta2 nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 2 wherein one or more nucleotide(s) of the oligonucleotide is/are modified. These oligonucleotides are highly effective in the reduction and inhibition of TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, and/or TGF-beta3 expression and activity, respectively. A preferred oligonucleotide comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 21 (e.g., ASPH9 or ASPH10: CAGAAGTTGGCAT).

In another embodiment the invention relates to an oligonucleotide, comprising or consisting of 10 to 20, more preferred of 12 to 18 nucleotides of the TGF-beta2 nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 2 wherein one or more nucleotide(s) of the oligonucleotide is/are modified. These oligonucleotides are highly effective in the reduction and inhibition of TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, and/or TGF-beta3, most preferably of TGF-beta2 expression and activity, respectively. A preferred oligonucleotide comprises or consists of one of SEQ ID NO. 22 to 59, 61 to 75, 77 to 105, 107 to 140 (e.g., ASHP11-ASPH14, ASPH16, ASPH18-ASPH25, ASPH28-ASPH35, ASPH38-ASPH51, ASPH60-ASPH64, ASPH66-ASPH79, ASPH81, ASPH83-ASPH97, ASPH99-ASPH110, ASPH113, ASPH114, ASPH116-ASPH118, ASPH120, ASPH122-ASPH152, ASPH154-ASPH183, or T-LNA (SEQ ID NO: 144)).

Preferred oligonucleotides of the present invention are ASPH01, ASPH03, ASPH05, ASPH17, ASPH22, ASPH26, ASPH27, ASPH35, ASPH36, ASPH37, ASPH45, ASPH47, ASPH48, ASPH65, ASPH69, ASPH71, ASPH80, ASPH82, ASPH98, ASPH105, ASPH115, ASPH190, ASPH191, ASPH192, and ASPH193, respectively.

Further preferred oligonucleotides of the present invention are ASPH1000 to ASPH1132 as shown in Table 1, which preferably inhibit the expression and/or activity of TGFbeta1 mRNA. Preferred oligonucleotides this group are for example ASPH1047, ASPH1051, ASPH1059, ASPH1106, ASPH1139, ASPH1150, ASPH1162, ASPH1163, ASPH1175, ASPH1178, and ASPH1181, respectively.

In an alternative embodiment oligonucleotides are preferably inhibiting the expression and/or activity of TGF-beta3 mRNA. Such oligonucleotides are for example ASPH2000, ASPH2001, ASPH2002, ASPH2003, ASPH2004, ASPH2005, ASPH2006, ASPH2007, ASPH2008, ASPH2009, ASPH2010, ASPH2011, ASPH2012, ASPH2013, ASPH2014, ASPH2015, ASPH2016, ASPH2017, ASPH2018, ASPH2019, ASPH2020, ASPH2021, ASPH2022, ASPH2023, ASPH2024, ASPH2025, ASPH2026, ASPH2027, ASPH2028, ASPH2029, ASPH2030, ASPH2031, ASPH2032, ASPH2033, ASPH2034, ASPH2035, ASPH2036, ASPH2037, ASPH2038, ASPH2039, ASPH2040, ASPH2041, ASPH2042, ASPH2043, ASPH2044, ASPH2045, ASPH2046, ASPH2047, ASPH2048, ASPH2049, ASPH2050, ASPH2051, ASPH2052, ASPH2053, ASPH2054, ASPH2055, ASPH2056, ASPH2057, ASPH2058, ASPH2059, ASPH2060, ASPH2061, ASPH2062, ASPH2063, ASPH2064, ASPH2065, and ASPH2066, respectively.

Oligonucleotides of the present invention show an unexpected strong and specific inhibition of TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, or TGF-beta3, or TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2. Alternatively, oligonucleotides of the present invention show strong and specific inhibition of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta3, or TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2, or TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3, and in a further alternative TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3.

Modifications of one or more nucleotides of the oligonucleotides of the present invention are selected from the group consisting of LNA, ENA, polyalkylene oxide such as triethylene glycol (TEG), 2′-fluoro, 2′-O-methoxy and 2′-O-methyl. The modifications are preferably located at the 5′- and/or 3′-end of the oligonucleotide. An oligonucleotide comprising such modified nucleotide is a modified oligonucleotide.

Modified nucleotides are for example arranged in a row, one directly next to the other, or in different patterns, where one or more unmodified nucleotides follow a modified nucleotide. For example an oligonucleotide starts with one or more modified nucleotides followed by one or more, e.g., one, two, three or four, unmodified or unlocked nucleotides followed again by one or more modified nucleotides. In one embodiment both ends of the oligonucleotide comprise an identical pattern of modified and unmodified or unlocked nucleotides. In another embodiment, the pattern of modifications at the 3′- and 5′-end differ including that one end does not comprise a modified nucleotide. Preferably the modified oligonucleotides comprise a series of 8 or 9 unlocked nucleotides.

Alternatively, a nucleotide at any other position in the oligonucleotide is modified, or at least one nucleotide at the 5′- and/or 3′-end of the oligonucleotide and at any other position in the oligonucleotide. For example ASPH1071, ASPH1100, ASPH1109, ASPH 1110, ASPH1111, ASPH1115, ASPH1126, ASPH1127 and ASPH1128 belong to a group of TGF-beta oligonucleotides, for example TGF-beta1 oligonucleotides, which comprises modified nucleosides such as LNA, ENA etc. in different patterns, e.g., separated from each other by an unlocked nucleotide. The oligonucleotides comprise either one type of modification, or one or more different modifications. Optionally, at least one phosphate linkage between two consecutive nucleotides (modified or unmodified) of the oligonucleotide is a phosphorothioate or a methylphosphonate. In a preferred embodiment, the oligonucleotides of the present invention are phosphorothioates.

Moreover, the present invention refers to TGF-beta antisense oligonucleotides, which interact and inhibit the expression of more than one TGF-beta isoform, even if the oligonucleotide is not 100% complementary to the TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2 and/or TGF-beta3 sequence. Such antisense oligonucleotides are for example ASPH1024, ASPH1096, ASPH1131 and ASPH1132, respectively. These oligonucleotides preferably interact with TGF-beta sequences of the same or different species such as human, monkey, rat or mouse as for example ASPH1131 and ASPH1132, respectively.

All the oligonucleotides of the different embodiments are for use in a method of the prevention and/or treatment of an ophthalmic disease such as dry eye, glaucoma, posterior capsular opacification (PCO), retinoblastoma, choroidcarcinoma, Marfan or Loeys-Dietz syndrome, macular degeneration, such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular endma, or cataract.

FIGURES

FIG. 1 presents the nucleic acid sequence of human TGF-beta1 mRNA (NM_000660.4).

FIG. 2 shows the nucleic acid sequence of human TGF-beta2 mRNA (NM_003238.3).

FIG. 3 depicts the nucleic acid sequence of human TGF-beta3 mRNA (NM_003239.2).

FIG. 4 presents examples of nucleotide modifications.

FIG. 5 a ) to 5 c ) depict the inhibition of the expression of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 mRNA in human A172 glioma cells. A172 cells were transfected with different modified oligonucleotides in a dose of 10 nM (in the presence of a transfecting agent), and the inhibition of the TGF-beta1 (white columns) and TGF-beta2 (black columns) mRNA expression was measured 24 h after transfection. FIG. 5 a ) refers to the results for the modified oligonucleotides ASPH01, ASPH02, ASPH03, ASPH04, ASPH05, ASPH06, ASPH07, ASPH08, ASPH09, ASPH10, ASPH11, ASPH12, ASPH13, ASPH14, ASPH15, ASPH16, ASPH17, ASPH18, ASPH19, ASPH20, ASPH21, ASPH22, ASPH24, ASPH25, ASPH26, ASPH27, ASPH29, ASPH30, ASPH31, ASPH32, ASPH33, ASPH34, ASPH35, ASPH36, ASPH37, ASPH38, ASPH39, ASPH40, ASPH41, ASPH42, ASPH43, ASPH44, ASPH45, ASPH46, ASPH47, ASPH48, ASPH49, ASPH50, ASPH51, ASPH52, ASPH53, and ASPH54; FIG. 5 b ) to the results for the modified oligonucleotides ASPH36, ASPH60, ASPH61, ASPH62, ASPH63, ASPH64, ASPH65, ASPH66, ASPH67, ASPH68, ASPH69, ASPH70, ASPH71, ASPH72, ASPH73, ASPH74, ASPH75, ASPH76, ASPH77, ASPH78, ASPH79, ASPH80, ASPH81, ASPH82, ASPH83, ASPH84, ASPH85, ASPH86, ASPH87, ASPH88, ASPH89, ASPH90, ASPH91, ASPH92, ASPH93, ASPH94, ASPH95, ASPH96, ASPH97, ASPH98, ASPH99, ASPH100, ASPH101, ASPH102, ASPH103, ASPH104, ASPH105, ASPH106, ASPH107, ASPH108, ASPH109, ASPH110, ASPH111, ASPH112, ASPH113, ASPH114, ASPH115, ASPH116, ASPH117, ASPH118, and ASPH119; and FIG. 5 c ) to the results for the modified oligonucleotides ASPH36, ASPH71, ASPH73, ASPH120, ASPH121, ASPH122, ASPH123, ASPH124, ASPH125, ASPH126, ASPH127, ASPH128, ASPH129, ASPH130, ASPH131, ASPH132, ASPH133, ASPH134, ASPH135, ASPH136, ASPH137, ASPH138, ASPH139, ASPH140, ASPH141, ASPH142, ASPH143, ASPH145, ASPH146, ASPH147, ASPH148, ASPH149, ASPH150, ASPH151, ASPH152, ASPH153, ASPH154, ASPH155, ASPH157, ASPH158, ASPH160, ASPH161, ASPH162, ASPH163, ASPH164, ASPH165, ASPH166, ASPH167, ASPH168, ASPH169, ASPH170, ASPH171, ASPH172, ASPH173, ASPH174, ASPH175, ASPH176, ASPH177, ASPH178, ASPH179, ASPH180, ASPH181, ASPH182, and ASPH183. Experiments are described in Example 1.

FIG. 6 a ) to 6 c ) depict the inhibition of the expression of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 mRNA in human Panc-1 pancreatic cancer cells. Panc-1 cells were transfected with different modified oligonucleotides in a dose of 10 nM (in the presence of a transfecting agent), and the inhibition of the TGF-beta1 (white columns) and TGF-beta2 (black columns) mRNA expression was measured 24 h after transfection. FIG. 6 a ) refers to the results for the modified oligonucleotides ASPH01, ASPH02, ASPH03, ASPH04, ASPH05, ASPH06, ASPH07, ASPH08, ASPH12, ASPH14, ASPH17, ASPH18, ASPH20, ASPH21, ASPH22, ASPH24, ASPH25, ASPH26, ASPH27, ASPH29, ASPH30, ASPH31, ASPH32, ASPH33, ASPH35, ASPH36, ASPH37, ASPH38, ASPH39, ASPH40, ASPH41, ASPH42, ASPH43, ASPH44, ASPH45, ASPH46, ASPH47, ASPH48, ASPH49, ASPH50, ASPH51, and ASPH52; FIG. 6 b ) to the results for the modified oligonucleotides ASPH36, ASPH60, ASPH61, ASPH62, ASPH63, ASPH64, ASPH65, ASPH66, ASPH67, ASPH68, ASPH69, ASPH70, ASPH71, ASPH72, ASPH73, ASPH74, ASPH75, ASPH76, ASPH77, ASPH78, ASPH79, ASPH80, ASPH81, ASPH82, ASPH83, ASPH84, ASPH85, ASPH86, ASPH87, ASPH88, ASPH89, ASPH90, ASPH91, ASPH92, ASPH93, ASPH94, ASPH96, ASPH97, ASPH98, ASPH99, ASPH100, ASPH101, ASPH102, ASPH103, ASPH104, ASPH105, ASPH106, ASPH107, ASPH108, ASPH109, ASPH110, ASPH111, ASPH112, ASPH113, ASPH114, ASPH115, ASPH116, ASPH117, ASPH118, and ASPH119; and FIG. 6 c ) to the results for the modified oligonucleotides ASPH36, ASPH71, ASPH73, ASPH120, ASPH121, ASPH122, ASPH127, ASPH128, ASPH129, ASPH130, ASPH131, ASPH132, ASPH133, ASPH135, ASPH136, ASPH137, ASPH139, ASPH141, ASPH142, ASPH143, ASPH145, ASPH146, ASPH147, ASPH149, ASPH150, ASPH151, ASPH152, ASPH153, ASPH154, ASPH155, ASPH157, ASPH160, ASPH161, ASPH162, ASPH163, ASPH164, ASPH165, ASPH166, ASPH167, ASPH168, ASPH169, ASPH170, ASPH171, ASPH172, ASPH173, ASPH174, ASPH175, ASPH176, ASPH177, ASPH178, ASPH179, ASPH180, ASPH181, ASPH182, and ASPH183. Experiments are described in Example 2.

FIG. 7 shows the inhibition of the expression of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 mRNA in Panc-1 cells. Panc-1 cells were treated with different modified oligonucleotides in a dose of 3.3 μM in the absence of any transfection reagent (gymnotic transfection or unassisted transfection), and the inhibition of the TGF-beta1 (white columns) and TGF-beta2 (black columns) mRNA expression was measured after 72 h. FIG. 7 presents the results for the modified oligonucleotides ASPH17, ASPH18, ASPH22, ASPH25, ASPH33, ASPH35, ASPH36, ASPH41, ASPH42, ASPH45, ASPH46, ASPH47, ASPH48, ASPH49, ASPH65, ASPH66, ASPH67, ASPH69, ASPH71, ASPH79, ASPH80, ASPH82, ASPH88, ASPH89, ASPH90, ASPH91, ASPH98, ASPH99, ASPH102, ASPH105, ASPH111, ASPH115, ASPH119, ASPH121, ASPH139, ASPH140, ASPH146, ASPH151, ASPH153, ASPH165, ASPH171, ASPH172, ASPH176, ASPH178, ASPH180, and ASPH183. Experiments are described in Example 4.

FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 present the inhibition of the expression of TGF-beta1 ( FIG. 8 a ) and TGF-beta2 ( FIG. 8 b ) mRNA as well as the inhibition of TGF-beta1 ( FIG. 9 a ) and TGF-beta2 ( FIG. 9 b ) protein in Panc-1 cells. Panc-1 cells were treated with different modified oligonucleotides in a dose of 10 μM via gymnotic transfection, i.e., in the absence of any transfecting reagent, and the inhibition of the TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 mRNA expression and protein was measured 4 days after transfection. FIG. 8 a ) and FIG. 8 b ) show the results for the modified oligonucleotides ASPH01, ASPH03, ASPH05, ASPH09, ASPH17, ASPH18, ASPH22, ASPH35, ASPH36, ASPH37, ASPH41, ASPH45, ASPH46, ASPH47, and ASPH48 on mRNA level, and FIG. 9 a ) and FIG. 9 b ) on protein level. Experiments are described in Example 5.

FIG. 10 depicts the dose-dependent effect of modified oligonucleotides ASPH05 and ASPH36 on TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 mRNA expression. Panc-1 cells were treated for 4 days with 15 μM, 10 μM, 7.5 μM, 5 μM, 2.5 μM, 1.25 μM, or 0.625 μM of either ASPH05 (dual TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 oligonucleotide) or ASPH36 (selective TGF-beta2 oligonucleotide) modified oligonucleotide in the absence of a transfection reagent. Remaining TGF-beta1 ( FIG. 10 a ) or TGF-beta2 mRNA ( FIG. 10 b ) was measured after 4 days. Experiments are described in Example 6.

FIG. 11 shows the inhibition of the expression of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 mRNA in mouse SMA-560 glioma cells. SMA-560 cells were transfected with ASPH01, ASPH03, ASPH05, ASPH09, ASPH17, ASPH18, ASPH22, ASPH26, ASPH36, ASPH37, ASPH41, ASPH42, ASPH45, ASPH46, ASPH47, or ASPH48 in a dose of 10 nM (in the presence of a transfecting agent). Inhibition of the mouse TGF-beta1 (white columns) and TGF-beta2 (black columns) mRNA expression was determined 24 h after transfection. Experiments are described in Example 7.

FIG. 12 presents in vivo data referring to the treatment of female athymic nude mice with ASPH01, ASPH03, ASPH05, ASPH17, ASPH22, ASPH37, ASPH41, ASPH45, ASPH46, ASPH47, or ASPH48 at 14 mg/kg body weight by subcutaneous injection for 5 consecutive days. 24 h after the last treatment, mice were sacrificed and mouse TGF-beta 2 mRNA was quantified in kidney tissue lysates. Data—representing TGF-beta2 to GAPDH mRNA ratio—are shown as a box plot in which median values and min. and max. values are presented (data expressed as n=4, except ASPH46 group n=3). Experiments are described in Example 8.

FIG. 13 shows the inhibition of the expression of TGF-beta3 mRNA in Panc-1 cells. Panc-1 cells were treated with ASPH09 in a dose of 10 μM in the absence of any transfection reagent (gymnotic transfection or unassisted transfection), and the inhibition of the TGF-beta3 mRNA expression was measured after 4 days. ASPH09 is a panspecific oliogonucleotide inhibiting the expression of TGF-beta3 as well as of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 ( FIGS. 8 a and 8 b ). Experiment is described in Example 9.

FIG. 14 depicts the inhibition of the expression of TGF-beta1 mRNA in human Panc-1 pancreatic cancer cells. Panc-1 cells were transfected with different modified oligonucleotides in a dose of 10 nM (in the presence of a transfecting agent), and the inhibition of the TGF-beta1 mRNA expression was measured 24 h after transfection. FIG. 14 refers to the results for the modified oligonucleotides ASPH05, ASPH09, ASPH1000, ASPH1001, ASPH1002, ASPH1003, ASPH1004, ASPH1005, ASPH1006, ASPH1007, ASPH1008, ASPH1009, ASPH1010, ASPH1011, ASPH1012, ASPH1013, ASPH1014, ASPH1015, ASPH1016, ASPH1017, ASPH1018, ASPH1019, ASPH1020, ASPH1021, ASPH1022, ASPH1023, ASPH1024, ASPH1026, ASPH1027, ASPH1028, ASPH1029, ASPH1030, ASPH1031, ASPH1032, ASPH1033, ASPH1034, ASPH1035, ASPH1036, ASPH 1038, ASPH1039, ASPH1040, ASPH1041, ASPH1042, ASPH1043, ASPH1044, ASPH1045, ASPH1046, ASPH1047, ASPH1048, ASPH1049, ASPH1050, ASPH1051, ASPH1052, ASPH1054, ASPH1055, ASPH1056, ASPH1057, ASPH1058, ASPH1059, ASPH1060, and ASPH1061. Experiments are described in Example 12.

FIG. 15 shows the inhibition of the expression of TGF-beta1 mRNA in mouse SMA-560 glioma cells. The cells were transfected with different modified oligonucleotides in a dose of 10 nM (in the presence of a transfecting agent), and the inhibition of the TGF-beta1 mRNA expression was measured 24 h after transfection. FIG. 15 refers to the results for the modified oligonucleotides ASPH09, ASPH1000, ASPH1001, ASPH1002, ASPH1003, ASPH1004, ASPH1005, ASPH1006, ASPH1007, ASPH1008, ASPH1009, ASPH1010, ASPH1011, ASPH1012, ASPH1013, ASPH1014, ASPH1015, ASPH1016, ASPH1017, ASPH1018, ASPH1019, ASPH 1020, ASPH1021, ASPH1022, ASPH1023, ASPH1024, ASPH1026, ASPH1027, ASPH1028, ASPH1029, ASPH1030, ASPH1031, ASPH1032, ASPH1033, ASPH1034, ASPH1035, ASPH1036, ASPH1037, ASPH1038, ASPH1039, ASPH1040, ASPH1041, ASPH1042, ASPH1043, ASPH1044, ASPH1045, ASPH1046, ASPH1047, ASPH1048, ASPH1049, ASPH1050, ASPH1051, ASPH1052, ASPH1053, ASPH1054, ASPH1055, ASPH1056, ASPH1057, ASPH1058, ASPH1059, ASPH1060, ASPH1061, and ASPH1062. Experiments are described in Example 13.

FIG. 16 depicts the inhibition of the expression of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 mRNA in human A172 cells. The cells were transfected with different modified oligonucleotides in a dose of 10 nM (in the presence of a transfecting agent), and the inhibition of the TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 mRNA expression was measured 24 h after transfection. FIG. 16 refers to the results for the modified oligonucleotides ASPH05, ASPH09, ASPH1000, ASPH1001, ASPH1002, ASPH1004, ASPH1005, ASPH1006, ASPH1007, ASPH1008, ASPH1009, ASPH1010, ASPH1011, ASPH1012, ASPH1013, ASPH1014, ASPH1015, ASPH1016, ASPH1017, ASPH1018, ASPH1019, ASPH1020, ASPH1021, ASPH1022, ASPH1023, ASPH1024, ASPH1026, ASPH1027, ASPH1028, ASPH1029, ASPH1030, ASPH1031, ASPH1032, ASPH1033, ASPH1034, ASPH1035, ASPH1036, ASPH1038, ASPH1039, ASPH1040, ASPH1041, ASPH1042, ASPH1043, ASPH1044, ASPH1045, ASPH1046, ASPH1047, ASPH1048, ASPH1049, ASPH1050, ASPH1051, ASPH1052, ASPH1053, ASPH1054, ASPH1056, ASPH1057, ASPH1058, ASPH1059, ASPH1060, ASPH1061, and ASPH1062. Experiments are described in Example 14.

FIG. 17 shows the inhibition of the expression of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 mRNA in Panc-1 cells. Panc-1 cells were treated with different modified oligonucleotides in a dose of 3.3 μM in the absence of any transfection reagent (gymnotic transfection or unassisted transfection or gymnotic delivery), and the inhibition of the TGF-beta1 (black columns) and TGF-beta2 (white columns) mRNA expression was measured after 72 h. FIG. 17 refers to the results for the modified oligonucleotides ASPH05, ASPH09, ASPH1000, ASPH1001, ASPH1002, ASPH1004, ASPH1006, ASPH1007, ASPH1008, ASPH1009, ASPH1010, ASPH1011, ASPH1012, ASPH1013, ASPH1014, ASPH1015, ASPH1017, ASPH1018, ASPH1019, ASPH1020, ASPH1021, ASPH1022, ASPH1024, ASPH1026, ASPH1027, ASPH1028, ASPH1029, ASPH1032, ASPH1033, ASPH1034, ASPH1035, ASPH1036, ASPH1037, ASPH1038, ASPH1039, ASPH1040, ASPH1041, ASPH1042, ASPH1043, ASPH1044, ASPH1045, ASPH1046, ASPH1047, ASPH1049, ASPH1050, ASPH1051, ASPH1052, ASPH1053, ASPH1054, ASPH1055, ASPH1056, ASPH1057, ASPH1058, ASPH1059, ASPH1060, ASPH1061, and ASPH1062. Experiments are described in Example 15.

FIG. 18 depicts the inhibition of the expression of TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3 mRNA in human A172 cells. The cells were transfected with different modified oligonucleotides in a dose of 10 nM (in the presence of a transfecting agent), and the inhibition of the TGF-beta1 (black column), TGF-beta2 (white column) and TGF-beta3 (striped column) mRNA expression was measured 24 h after transfection. FIG. 18 refers to the results for the modified oligonucleotides ASPH09, ASPH1047, ASPH1051, ASPH1059, ASPH1063, ASPH1064, ASPH1065, ASPH1066, ASPH1067, ASPH1068, ASPH1069, ASPH1070, ASPH1071, ASPH1072, ASPH1073, ASPH1074, ASPH1075, ASPH1076, ASPH1077, ASPH1078, ASPH1079, ASPH1080, ASPH1081, ASPH1082, ASPH1083, ASPH1084, ASPH1085, ASPH1086, ASPH1087, ASPH1088, ASPH1089, ASPH1090, ASPH1091, ASPH1092, ASPH1093, ASPH1094, ASPH1095, ASPH1097, ASPH1098, ASPH1099, ASPH1100, ASPH1101, ASPH1102, ASPH1103, ASPH1104, ASPH1105, ASPH1106, ASPH1107, ASPH1108, ASPH1109, ASPH1110, ASPH1111, ASPH1112, ASPH1113, ASPH114, ASPH1115, ASPH1116, ASPH1117, ASPH1118, ASPH1119, ASPH1120, ASPH1121, ASPH1122, ASPH1123, ASPH1124, ASPH1125, ASPH1126, ASPH1127, ASPH1128, ASPH1129, ASPH1130, ASPH1131, and ASPH1132. Experiments are described in Example 16.

FIG. 19 a shows the inhibition of the expression of TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3 mRNA in human Panc-1 and RenCa cells. The cells were transfected with different modified oligonucleotides in a dose dose of 3.3 μM in the absence of any transfection reagent (gymnotic transfection or unassisted transfection or gymnotic delivery), and the inhibition of the TGF-beta1 (black column), TGF-beta2 (white column) and TGF-beta3 (striped column) mRNA expression was measured 72 h after transfection. FIG. 19 a refers to the results for the modified oligonucleotides ASPH1063, ASPH1064, ASPH1065, ASPH1066, ASPH1067, ASPH1068, ASPH1069, ASPH1070, ASPH1071, ASPH1072, ASPH1073, ASPH1074, ASPH1075, ASPH1076, ASPH1077, ASPH1078, ASPH1079, ASPH1080, ASPH1081, ASPH1082, ASPH1083, ASPH1084, ASPH1085, ASPH1086, ASPH1087, ASPH1088, ASPH1089, ASPH1090, ASPH1091, ASPH1092, ASPH1093, ASPH1094, ASPH1095, ASPH1097, ASPH1098, ASPH1099, ASPH1100, ASPH1101, ASPH1102, ASPH1103, ASPH1104, ASPH1105, ASPH1106, ASPH1107, ASPH1108, ASPH1109, ASPH1110, ASPH1111, ASPH1112, ASPH1113, ASPH114, ASPH1115, ASPH1116, ASPH1117, ASPH1118, ASPH1119, ASPH1120, ASPH1121, ASPH1122, ASPH1123, ASPH1124, ASPH1125, ASPH1126, ASPH1127, ASPH1128, ASPH1129, ASPH1130, ASPH1131, and ASPH1132. FIG. 19 b presents the inhibiting effect of these oligonucleotides in RenCa cells.

FIG. 20 presents a sequence alignment of ASPH1024 and ASPH1096, which are 100% homologous to a human sequence of TGF-beta1, with a human sequence of TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3, respectively. ASPH1024 has three mismatches with the human sequence of TGF-beta2 ( FIG. 20 a ) and two mismatches with human sequence of TGF-beta3 ( FIG. 20 b ). ASPH1096 has one mismatch with the human sequence of TGF-beta2 ( FIG. 20 a ), and one mismatch with the human sequence of TGF-beta3 ( FIG. 20 b ). Both oligonucleotides show inhibition of different human TGF-beta isoforms (TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, and TGF-beta3). For example ASPH1024 inhibits the expression and activity of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 (see FIG. 17 ) and ASPH1096 inhibits the expression and activity of TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3 as depicted in FIG. 18 for example. ASPH009, which is 100% homologous to the human sequence of TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, and TGF-beta3 was used as a control.

FIG. 21 shows a sequence alignment of ASPH1131 and ASPH1132, which are 100% homologous to a human sequence of TGF-beta1 and TGFβbeta3, with a human sequence of TGF-beta2. Each of ASPH1131 and ASPH1132 has one mismatch with the human sequence of TGF-beta2. Both oligonucleotides strongly inhibit the expression of all three human isoforms as depicted in FIG. 18 for example.

FIG. 22 depicts a sequence alignment of ASPH1131 and ASPH1132, which are 100% homologous to a murine sequence of TGF-beta1 and TGFbeta3, with a murine sequence of TGF-beta2. Each of ASPH1131 and ASPH1132 has two mismatches with the murine sequence of TGF-beta2. While ASPH1131 potently inhibits murine TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3, ASPH1132 very potently suppresses all murine TGF-beta isoforms as depicted in FIG. 19 b for example.

FIG. 23 shows TGF-beta2 mRNA expression in the kidney of mice bearing subcutaneous human pancreatic carcinoma Panc-1 tumors. Mice were treated with 1, 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg of ASPH47 after indicated treatment schedules for 5 days: Q1Dx1-d6 (single SC injection, termination 5 days later), Q1Dx5-d6 (daily SC injection for 5 days, termination 24 hours later), and Q1Dx5-d10 (daily SC injection for 5 days, termination 5 days later). TGF-beta2 and house-keeping gene GAPDH mRNA expression was detected by bDNA assay. Data—representing TGF-beta2 to GAPDH mRNA ratio—are shown as a box plot in which median values and min. and max. values are presented (data expressed as n=10, except n=9 for vehicle and 3 mg/kg Q1Dx1 d6 groups).

FIG. 24 depicts TGF-beta2 mRNA expression in the kidneys of mice bearing human pancreatic carcinoma Panc-1 tumors. Mice were treated with subcutaneous injections of various oligonucleotides for 5 consecutive days using indicated treatment doses: daily injection of 1, 5, 15 or 50 mg/kg oligonucleotides for five consecutive days. TGF-beta2 and house-keeping gene GAPDH mRNA expression was detected by bDNA. Data—representing TGF-beta2 to GAPDH mRNA ratio—are shown as a box plot in which median values and min. and max. values are presented (data expressed as n=5).

FIG. 25 presents TGF-beta2 mRNA expression in subcutaneous human renal cell carcinomas 786-O tumors. Mice were treated with a daily injection of 50 mg/kg oligonucleotides for five consecutive days. The tumors were collected 24 hours after the last treatment and snap frozen. TGF-beta2 and house-keeping gene GAPDH mRNA expression was detected by bDNA assay. Data—representing TGF-beta2 to GAPDH mRNA ratio—are shown as a box plot in which median values and min. and max. values are presented (data expressed as n=10, except for ASPH71 group n=9).

FIG. 26 depicts the inhibiting effect of oligonucleotides of the present invention on the expression of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 protein. Panc-1 cells were transfected with 20, 6.67, 2.22, 0.74, 0.25, 0.08 or 0.009 μM of the modified oligonucleotides ASPH47 ( FIG. 26 a ), ASPH1047 ( FIG. 26 b ), ASPH1106 ( FIG. 26 c ), ASPH1132 ( FIG. 26 d ), or ASPH47 in combination with ASPH1047 ( FIG. 26 e ). Negative control is the scrambled oligonucleotide (scrLNA) of SEQ ID No. 145 ( FIG. 26 f ) in concentrations of 40, 13.33, 4.44, 1.48, 0.49, 0.16, 0.05, or 0.02 μM. TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 protein levels in cell supernatants were determined by ELISA, wherein results for TGF-beta1 are indicated in diamonds, and results for TGF-beta2 in squares.

FIG. 27 shows the inhibition of the expression of TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3 mRNA in human Panc-1 cells and mouse RenCa cells. Panc-1 and RenCa cells were treated with different modified oligonucleotides in a dose of 1.1 μM in the absence of any transfection reagent (gymnotic transfection or unassisted transfection or gymnotic delivery), and the inhibition of the TGF-beta1 (black columns), TGF-beta2 (white columns), and TGF-beta3 (striped columns) mRNA expression was measured after 72 h. FIG. 17 refers to the results for the modified oligonucleotides ASPH190, ASPH191, ASPH192, ASPH193, ASPH194, ASPH195, ASPH196, ASPH197, ASPH198, ASPH199, ASPH200, ASPH201, ASPH202, ASPH203, ASPH204, ASPH205, ASPH206, ASPH207, ASPH208, ASPH209, ASPH210, ASPH211, ASPH212, ASPH213, ASPH214, ASPH215, ASPH216, ASPH217, ASPH218, ASPH219, ASPH220, ASPH221, ASPH222, and ASPH223, respectively. FIG. 27 a presents the inhibitory effect of these TGF-beta oligonucleotides in Panc-1 cells and FIG. 27 b in RenCa cells.

FIG. 28 presents the inhibiting effect of oligonucleotides of the present invention on the expression of TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, and TGF-beta3. Panc-1 cells ( FIG. 28 a ) or RenCa cells ( FIG. 28 b ) were transfected with 3.3 μM of different TGF-beta specific oligonucleotides in the absence of a transfecting agent. The expression of TGF-beta1 (black column), TGF-beta2 (white column) and TGF-beta3 (striped column) mRNA was determined 72 h after transfection.

FIG. 29 depicts the the inhibiting effect of oligonucleotides of the present invention on the expression of TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, and TGF-beta3. A172 glioma cells were transfected with 10 nM of different TGF-beta specific oligonucleotides in the presence of transfecting agent. The expression of TGF-beta1 (black column), TGF-beta2 (white column) and TGF-beta3 (striped column) mRNA was determined 24 h after transfection.

FIGS. 30 a and 30 b present a compared analysis of time-dependent plasma ( 30 a ) and kidney ( 30 b ) concentration (PK profiles; with values expressed in μg/mL or μg/gr) and downregulation of TGF-β2 mRNA (PD profile) in kidney following single subcutaneous bolus administration of 50 mg/kg of ASPH_0047 to Balb/c mice.

FIG. 31 depicts TGF-β2 mRNA downregulation in established subcutaneous tumors ( FIG. 30A-D ) or kidney ( FIG. 30E-F ) in immunodeficient mouse following subcutaneous repeated administration of ASPH_0047 or control oligonucleotide. TGF-beta2 and GAPDH mRNA expression was detected by bDNA. Results are expressed as TGF-beta2/GAPDH mRNA ratio, and each individual tested sample is represented with line indicating median values.

FIG. 32 shows the effect of systemic treatment of Balb/c mice with ASPH_0047 (selective TGF-b2 antisense oligonucleotide) on lung metastasis in orthotopic and in i.v. mouse Renca renal carcinoma model. Level of lung metastasis was determined by either number of metastasis or based on lung weight. Results are shown as a box plot in which median values, upper and lower quartiles, and 90 th and 10 th percentiles are presented.

FIG. 33 presents human Panc-1 pancreatic cancer cells were treated with 3.3 μM of the indicated oligonucleotides in the absence of transfecting agent (gymnotic transfection or gymnotic delivery). The expression of TGF-beta1 (black column), TGF-beta2 (white column) and TGF-beta3 (striped column) mRNA was determined 72 h after transfection.

FIG. 34 depicts the effect of systemic treatment of Balb/c mice with ASPH_0047 on lung metastasis in orthotopic mouse 4T1 mammary carcinoma model. Data for each individual animal is represented with median values indicated as bold black line.

The present invention is directed to oligonucleotides, in particular antisense oligonucleotides, which comprise at least one modified nucleotide and are suitable to interact with TGF-beta mRNA for use in a method for preventing and/or treating an ophthalmic disease such as dry eye, glaucoma, posterior capsule opacification, retinoblastoma or choroidcarcinoma. The oligonucleotides comprise or consist of 10 to 20, more preferred 12 to 18 nucleotides of the TGF-beta2 nucleic acid according to SEQ ID NO. 2 or of the TGF-beta1 nucleic acid according to SEQ ID NO. 1, or of the nucleic acid sequence of TGF-beta3 nucleic acid according to SEQ ID NO. 3. Most preferred the oligonucleotide comprises or consists of 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18 nucleotides. The oligonucleotides are preferably selected from the region of nucleic acid no. 1380 to 1510 (preferably no. 1380 to 1450 and/or no. 1480 to 1510), 1660 to 1680, or 2390 to 2410 of SEQ ID NO. 2. The oligonucleotide is a single or double stranded RNA or DNA, including siRNA, microRNA, apatmer or spiegelmer. Preferably, the oligonucleotide is an antisense oligonucleotide.

A nucleotide forms the building block of an oligonucleotide, and is for example composed of a nucleobase (nitrogenous base, e.g., purine or pyrimidine), a five-carbon sugar (e.g., ribose, 2-deoxyribose, arabinose, xylose, lyxose, allose, altorse, glucose, mannose, gulose, idose, galactose, talose or stabilized modifications of those sugars), and one or more phosphate groups. Examples of modified phosphate groups are phosphorothioate or methylphosphonate. Each compound of the nucleotide is modifiable, and is naturally occurring or none naturally occurring. The latter are for example locked nucleic acid (LNA), a 2′-O,4′-C-ethylene-bridged nucleic acid (ENA), polyalkylene oxide- (such as triethylene glycol (TEG)), 2′-fluoro, 2′-O-methoxy and 2′-O-methyl modified nucleotides as described for example by Freier & Altmann (Nucl. Acid Res., 1997, 25, 4429-4443) and Uhlmann (Curr. Opinion in Drug & Development (2000, 3 (2): 293-213)), which are shown in FIG. 4 .

A LNA is a modified RNA nucleotide, wherein the ribose moiety is modified with an extra bridge connecting the 2′ oxygen and 4′ carbon (2′-4′ribonucleoside). The bridge “locks” the ribose in the 3′-endo (North) conformation, which is often found in the A-form duplexes. LNA nucleosides and nucleotides, respectively, comprise for example the forms of thio-LNA, oxy-LNA, or amino-LNA, in alpha-D- or beta-L-configuration, and are mixable and combineable, respectively, with (unmodified) DNA or RNA residues in the oligonucleotide.

The oligonucleotides of the present invention, i.e., modified oligonucleotides, comprise at least one modified nucleotide, preferably LNA and/or ENA, at the 5′- and/or 3′-end of the oligonucleotide. In a preferred embodiment, the oligonucleotide comprises 1, 2, 3, or 4 LNAs or ENAs at the 5′-end, and 1, 2, 3, or 4 LNAs or ENAs at the 3′-end. In another preferred embodiment, the oligonucleotide comprises 1, 2, 3, or 4 LNAs or ENAs at the 5′-end or 3′-end, and a polyalkylene oxide such as TEG at the 3′- or 5′-end. The modified oligonucleotides show a significantly increased inhibition on TGF-beta expression and activity, respectively, which results in an improved prevention and/or treatment of a malignant or benign tumor, an immunologic disease, fibrosis, eye disease such as glaucoma or posterior capsular opacification (PCO), CNS disease hair loss etc. The oligonucleotides of the present invention target TGF-beta linked diseases either by hybridization with TGF-beta mRNA, preferably TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, or TGF-beta3, alternatively, TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, and/or TGF-beta3 mRNAs, i.e., TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2, or TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta3, or TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3, or TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3 mRNAs, or any other direct or indirect effect on the TGF-beta system. An oligonucleotide inhibiting the expression of TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, and TGF-beta3 is defined as pan-specific oligonucleotide.

In a preferred embodiment, the oligonucleotides of the present invention are for use in a method for preventing and/or treating an ophthalmic disease such as dry eye, glaucoma or posterior capsule opacification.

Preferably two or more oligonucleotides are combined, wherein at least one oligonucleotide specifically inhibits TGF-beta1 and at least one oligonucleotide specifically inhibits TGF-beta2, or wherein at least one oligonucleotide specifically inhibits TGF-beta1 and at least one oligonucleotide specifically inhibits TGF-beta3, or wherein at least one oligonucleotide specifically inhibits TGF-beta2 and at least one oligonucleotide specifically inhibits TGF-beta3, or wherein at least one oligonucleotide specifically inhibits TGF-beta1, at least one oligonucleotide specifically inhibits TGF-beta2, and at least one oligonucleotide specifically inhibits TGF-beta3.

In another embodiment, one oligonucleotide inhibits two TGF-beta isoforms such as TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2, TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3, or TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta3. An oligonucleotide inhibiting the expression of all three isoforms—TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, and TGF-beta3—is defined as pan-specific oligonucleotide.

In a further embodiment three or more oligonucleotides are combined, wherein at least one oligonucleotide specifically inhibits TGF-beta1, another oligonucleotide specifically inhibits TGF-beta2, and a further oligonucleotide specifically inhibits TGF-beta3, and optionally one or more additional oligonucleotides inhibiting TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2 or TGF-beta3, and/or optionally any other factor.

The oligonucleotides of the present invention have for example an IC 50 in the range of 0.1 to 20 μM, preferably in the range of 0.2 to 15 μM, more preferably in the range of 0.4 to 10 μM, and even more preferred in the range of 0.5 to 5 μM.

The present invention further refers to a pharmaceutical composition comprising an oligonucleotide according to the invention as active ingredient. The pharmaceutical composition comprises at least one oligonucleotide of the present invention and optionally further an antisense compound, an antibody, a chemotherapeutic compound, an anti-inflammatory compound, an antiviral compound and/or an immuno-modulating compound. Pharmaceutically acceptable binding agents and adjuvants optionally comprise part of the pharmaceutical composition.

In one embodiment, the oligonucleotide and the pharmaceutical composition, respectively, is formulated as dosage unit in form of capsules, tablets and pills etc., respectively, which contain for example the following compounds: microcrystalline cellulose, gum or gelatin as binders; starch or lactose as excipients; stearates as lubricants, various sweetening or flavouring agents. For capsules the dosage unit may contain a liquid carrier like fatty oils. Likewise coatings of sugar or enteric agents may be part of the dosage unit.

In a preferred embodiment the oligonucleotide or the pharmaceutical composition comprising such oligonucleotide of the present invention is formulated as eye drops or eye ointment, which optionally comprise a dye such as BBG, BBR, or trypanblue, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethyleneglycol (PEG), preferably PEG200, PEG400, or PEG1000, hydrogenphosphate of calium or sodium.

The oligonucleotide and/or the pharmaceutical composition is administrable via different routes. These routes of administration include, but are not limited to, electroporation, epidermal, impression into skin, intra-arterial, intra-articular, intracranial, intradermal, intra-lesional, intra-muscular, intranasal, intra-ocular, intracameral, intrathecal, intraperitoneal, intraprostatic, intrapulmonary, intraspinal, intratracheal, intratumoral, intravenous, intravesical, placement within cavities of the body, nasal inhalation, oral, pulmonary inhalation (e.g., by inhalation or insufflation of powders or aerosols, including by nebulizer), subcutaneous, subdermal, topical (including ophthalmic and to mucous membranes including vaginal and rectal delivery), or transdermal.

For parenteral, subcutaneous, intradermal or topical administration the oligonucleotide and/or the pharmaceutical composition include for example a sterile diluent, buffers, regulators of toxicity and antibacterials. In a preferred embodiment, the oligonucleotide or pharmaceutical composition is prepared with carriers that protect against degradation or immediate elimination from the body, including implants or microcapsules with controlled release properties. For intravenous administration the preferred carriers are for example physiological saline or phosphate buffered saline. An oligonucleotide and/or a pharmaceutical composition comprising such oligonucleotide for oral administration includes for example powder or granule, microparticulate, nanoparticulate, suspension or solution in water or non-aqueous media, capsule, gel capsule, sachet, tablet or minitablet. An oligonucleotide and/or a pharmaceutical composition comprising for parenteral, intrathecal, intracameral or intraventricular administration includes for example sterile aqueous solutions which optionally contain buffer, diluent and other suitable additive such as penetration enhancer, carrier compound and other pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient.

A pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is for example liquid or solid, and is selected with the planned manner of administration in mind so as to provide for the desired bulk, consistency, etc., when combined with a nucleic acid and the other components of a given pharmaceutical composition. Typical pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include, but are not limited to, a binding agent (e.g. pregelatinized maize starch, polyvinylpyrrolidone or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, etc.); filler (e.g. lactose and other sugars, microcrystalline cellulose, pectin, gelatin, calcium sulfate, ethyl cellulose, polyacrylates or calcium hydrogen phosphate, etc.); lubricant (e.g., magnesium stearate, talcum, silica, colloidal silicon dioxide, stearic acid, metallic stearates, hydrogenated vegetable oils, corn starch, polyethylene glycols, sodium benzoate, sodium acetate, etc.); disintegrate (e.g., starch, sodium starch glycolate, etc.); or wetting agent (e.g., sodium lauryl sulphate, etc.). Sustained release oral delivery systems and/or enteric coatings for orally administered dosage forms are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,704,295; 4,556,552; 4,309,406; and 4,309,404. An adjuvant is included under these phrases.

In one embodiment, the oligonucleotide or pharmaceutical composition is administered via a medical device, preferably a small pump such as a mini-pump, which is for example directly implanted into or onto the eye. Such device is for example connected to the eye motion muscle to deliver a therapeutic load, i.e., an oligonucleotide or pharmaceutical composition into the eye.

Besides being used in a method of human disease prevention and/or treatment, the oligonucleotide and/or the pharmaceutical composition according to the present invention is also used in a method for prevention and/or treatment of other subjects including veterinary animals, reptiles, birds, exotic animals and farm animals, including mammals, rodents, and the like. Mammals include for example horses, dogs, pigs, cats, or primates (for example, a monkey, a chimpanzee, or a lemur). Rodents include for example rats, rabbits, mice, squirrels, or guinea pigs.

The oligonucleotide or the pharmaceutical composition according to the invention is used in a method for the prevention and/or treatment of many different diseases, preferably benign or malignant tumors, immunologic diseases, bronchial asthma, heart disease, fibrosis (e.g., liver fibrosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, kidney cirrhosis, scleroderma), diabetes, wound healing, disorders of the connective tissue (e.g., in heart, blood vessel, bone, joint, eye such as the Marfan or Loeys-Dietz syndrome), psoriasis, eye diseases (e.g., glaucoma, posterior capsular opacification (PCO) also known as secondary cataract, retinoblastoma, choroidcarcinoma, Marfan or Loeys-Dietz syndrome, macular degeneration, such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular endma, or cataract), CNS disease (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease), coronary atherosclerosis (coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery or hair loss. A tumor is for example selected from the group of solid tumors, blood born tumors, leukemias, tumor metastasis, hemangiomas, acoustic neuromas, neurofibromas, trachomas, pyogenic granulomas, astrocytoma such as anaplastic astrocytoma, acoustic neuroma, blastoma, Ewing's tumor, craniopharyngioma, ependymoma, medulloblastoma, glioma, glioblastoma, hemangloblastoma, Hodgkins-lymphoma, medullablastoma, leukaemia, melanoma such as primary and/or metastatic melanoma, mesothelioma, myeloma, neuroblastoma, neurofibroma, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, pinealoma, retinoblastoma, sarcoma, seminoma, trachomas, Wilm's tumor, bile duct carcinoma, bladder carcinoma, brain tumor, breast cancer, bronchogenic carcinoma, carcinoma of the kidney, cervical cancer, choriocarcinoma, cystadenocarcinome, embryonal carcinoma, epithelial carcinoma, esophageal cancer, cervical carcinoma, colon carcinoma, colorectal carcinoma, endometrial cancer, gallbladder cancer, gastric cancer, head cancer, liver carcinoma, lung carcinoma, medullary carcinoma, neck cancer, non-small-cell bronchogenic/lung carcinoma, ovarian cancer, pancreas carcinoma, papillary carcinoma, papillary adenocarcinoma, prostate cancer, small intestine carcinoma, prostate carcinoma, rectal cancer, renal cell carcinoma (RCC, e.g., clear cell RCC, papillary RCC, chromophobe RCC), oncocytoma kidney cancer, transitional cell kidney cancer, skin cancer, small-cell bronchogenic/lung carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, sebaceous gland carcinoma, testicular carcinoma, and uterine cancer. The oligonucleotide or the pharmaceutical composition of the present invention is not only used in a method for the prevention and/or treatment of a tumor, but likewise on a metastasis.

The present invention is preferably directed to the prevention and/or treatment of ophthalmic diseases such as, but not limited to, glaucoma, posterior capsular opacification, dry eye, macular degeneration, e.g., age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular endma, cataract, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, Marfan or Loeys-Dietz syndrome, and any other ocular disease linkable to TGF-beta, in particular TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, and/or TGF-beta3, and/or being associated with fibrosis, inflammation, degeneration, aging or similar.

The antisense oligonucleotides of the present invention are characterized in that they show an unexpected low toxicity (see for example Table 7) and thus, are well tolerated by different organisms. They oligonucleotides show a reasonable distribution in the organism, wherein highest concentrations are measured in the kidney, liver, skin and spleen.

The present invention provides numerous oligonucleotides, which are highly efficient in the reduction and inhibition, respectively, of TGF-beta, in particular TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2 and/or TGF-beta3 expression due to the specific selection of the sequence of the oligonucleotide and the modification of the nucleotide. The following Table 1 shows numerous preferred modified oligonucleotides according to the present invention (modified nucleosides are indicated in bold letters). Each oligonucleotide is defined as ASPH and a number, which is defined by a specific sequence and modification of the nucleosides:

Table 1 shows the nucleic acid sequences of selected oligonucleotides of the present invention as well as the modifications of the nucleotides, wherein LNA 4+4 means 4×LNAs at the 5′- and 3′-end of the oligonucleotide are modified, wherein LNA 4+3 means 4×LNAs at the 5′-end and 3×LNAs at the 3′-end of the oligonucleotide are modified, wherein LNA 3+4 means 3×LNAs at the 5′-end and 4×LNAs at the 3′-end of the oligonucleotide are modified, wherein LNA 3+3 means 3×LNAs at the 5′- and 3′-end of the oligonucleotide are modified, wherein LNA 3+2 means 3×LNAs at the 5′-end and 2×LNAs at the 3′-end of the oligonucleotide are modified, wherein LNA 2+3 means 2×LNAs at the 5′-end and 3×LNAs at the 3′-end of the oligonucleotide are modified, wherein LNA 2+2 means 2×LNAs at the 5′- and 3′-end of the oligonucleotide are modified. Alternatively, some oligonucleotides comprise ENA 4+4, i.e., 4×ENA at the 5′- and 3′-end of the oligonucleotide are modified, or ENA 3+3, i.e, 3×ENA at the 5′- and 3′-end of the oligonucleotide are modified. Further oligonucleotides comprise 2′O-meth 4+4, wherein the oligonucleotide comprises 4×2′O-methyl modified nucleotides at the 5′- and 3′-end of the oligonucleotide, or comprises 2′ fluoro 4+4, wherein the oligonucleotide comprises 4×2′ fluoro modified nucleotides at the 5′- and 3′-end. Oligonucleotides comprising LNA 3+TEG comprise 3×LNAs at the 5′-end and one triethylene glycol (TEG) at the 3′-end of the oligonucleotide. Some oligonucleotides comprise LNAs which are not arranged in a row but are separated by an unlocked nucleoside having for example the sequences 3LNA+9N+1LNA+1N+2LNA, 1LNA+1N+2LNA+8N+1LNA+1N+1LNA, 2LNA+8N+2LNA+1N+1LNA, 2LNA+9N+1LNA+1N+1LNA, 2LNA+8N+1LNA+2N+1LNA, 3LNA+8N+1LNA+1N+1LNA, 3LNA+8N+1LNA+1N+1LNA, 2LNA+9N+1LNA+1N+1LNA, or 2LNA+8N+2LNA+1N+1LNA, wherein “N” is a nucleoside without locked modification. “ASPH” in combination with a number refers to the different oligonucleotides and their different modifications as described in Table 1. These modified oligonucleotides were tested e.g. in experiments shown in the examples. The antisense oligonucleotides of the present invention can be described differently, e.g., ASPH47, ASPH0047, ASPH_47 or ASPH_0047 referring to the same oligonucleotide.

In Table 2 further preferred oligonucleotides of the present invention are shown, which are variations of the sequence and/or the LNA pattern of ASPH47 (SEQ ID NO. 49).

The description of the modifications in Table 2 corresponds to the description provided in Table 1; in addition, LNA nucleosides are indicated in the sequence in bold letters, and triethylene glycol is abbreviated as TEG in Table 2.

For the purpose of clarity and a concise description, features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention may include embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described.

The following examples will serve to further illustrate the present invention without, at the same time, however, constituting any limitation thereof. On the contrary, it is to be clearly understood that the scope of the present invention refers to various other embodiments, modifications, and equivalents thereof which, after reading the description herein, may suggest themselves to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In the following examples, the effect of the oligonucleotides listed in Tables 1 and 2 have been tested in view of the reduction and inhibition, respectively, of TGF-beta1 and/or TGF-beta2 expression. SEQ ID NO. 144 (T-LNA: CGGCATGTCTATTTTGTA, wherein 3× nucleotides at the 5′- and 3′-end are LNAs) and SEQ ID NO. 145 (scr-LNA: CGTTTAGGCTATGTACTT, wherein 3× nucleotides at the 5′- and 3′-end are LNAs) are used as control oligonucleotides, wherein SEQ ID NO. 145 (negative control) is the scrambled form of SEQ ID NO. 144 (positive control). The cells were either transfected in the presence of a transfecting agent (e.g., Lipofectamine), or in the absence of any transfecting agent (gymnotic transfection or unassisted transfection or gymnotic delivery). As in case of a gymnotic transfection the entry of the oligonucleotide into the cell solely depends on the interaction of the oligonucleotide and the cell, and no compound supports the entry, gymnotic transfection reflects better conditions of the in vivo experimental settings.