Antibody-Oligonucleotide Conjugate Shows Promise in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1

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Source: MedPage Today

Original: https://www.medpagetoday.com/neurology/generalneurology/119937...

Published: Wed, 18 Feb 2026 17:00:00 -0500

Del-desiran is an experimental drug for myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), a rare progressive disease with no available treatment options.[1] The drug works as an antibody-oligonucleotide conjugate that targets reducing the levels of a toxic mRNA (DMPK) that causes the disease.[1] In the Phase 1/2 MARINA trial, del-desiran successfully delivered to muscle tissue and achieved an approximately 40% reduction in DMPK mRNA.[1] The treatment resulted in improvements in myotonia (muscle spasms), muscle strength, mobility and quality of life in patients.[1] The drug showed an acceptable safety profile, with most adverse effects being mild or moderate in severity.[1] Long-term data from the MARINA-OLE extension study showed that treatment with 4 mg/kg del-desiran administered quarterly was safe and effective, with reversal of disease progression compared to the natural course of DM1.[2] A global phase 3 HARBOR trial is currently underway with more than 150 DM1 patients aged 16-65 years.[2]