10.1016/j.ohc.2006.05.007

RNA interference is a new technology that allows the production of therapeutic double-stranded RNA molecules (siRNA) that can specifically prevent the production of a particular gene product in a potent and efficient manner. It accomplishes this task by activating a native cellular defense mechanism, which when triggered results in the prevention of gene product production before the protein is made. Because of this amplification, only small quantities of siRNA are required to produce a silencing of gene production. siRNA designed to reduce production of angiogenic molecules provides potent therapies for ocular neovascularization in patients with age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.