Main Conference – Day 1Wednesday, 18 March 2026 - CET (Central European Time, GMT+01:00)

Chemically synthesized RNA oligonucleotides (oligos) have the potential of a powerful, multifaceted approach against cancer by acting as immune stimulators, RNA interference agents, and vaccines, as well as drug carriers. This presentation will first detail the simple chemical structure of RNA oligos that can be used for cancer vaccination. We will then introduce and discuss a new type of chemotherapeutic anticancer RNA oligo currently under development.

• Dysregulated mRNA processing has been identified as a new and druggable molecular hallmark of aging. Age-related changes in splicing factor expression disrupt physiological homeostasis, leading to loss of transcriptomic resilience, cellular senescence, and chronic diseases

• An antisense oligonucleotide approach has been developed to restore splicing regulator expression specifically in senescent cells. This method leverages endogenous autoregulation to achieve physiologically regulated expression of target genes within their normal homeostasis.

• Enabling pharmacokinetic (PK) properties and proof of principle for transcriptomic reprogramming of senescence have been demonstrated in an aged mouse model via an inhalation route.

• Initial applications of this technology target Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), a sentinel disease driven by senescence. Results show the ablation of harmful senescent properties in diseased cells and precision-cut lung slices (PCLS) from IPF patients, along with significant reductions in markers of inflammation and fibrosis

.• The approach has shown efficacy in senescent primary human cells across multiple cell lineages, suggesting potential applications for the treatment of various age-related diseases beyond respiratory conditions.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide; heart failure carries high mortality, and substantial health-economic burden. Cardiac infarcts can lead to loss of heart function and heart failure. Cardiomyocytes have limited regenerative capacity and current therapies only improve residual function and are not curative.

• Small non-coding microRNAs delivered as synthetic mimics in cardiomyocyte specific lipid nanoparticles can reactivate cardiomyocyte proliferation in the adult heart. Preclinical studies in mice and pigs demonstrate increased cardiomyocyte division, reduced infarct size, and improved function after myocardial infarction.
• The miRNA–LNP approach provides potent, transient, and repeatable effects with efficient myocardial delivery; Compared with AAV, protein and cell therapies, miRNA–LNPs offer better control of dose and optimal duration.
• miRNA-based regenerative therapy represents a promising, scalable strategy for curative treatment against heart failure, warranting further clinical development and safety evaluation.