How can MSI enhance our understanding of ASO distribution?

Abstract

In the dynamic field of drug discovery and development, a comprehensive understanding of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity is crucial. Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) has become a key analytical tool in the pharmaceutical industry, allowing evaluation of drug biodistribution and molecular profiles. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are emerging drug candidates for treating neurologic diseases. This review explores the potential of MSI in investigating ASOs' spatial distribution within neurological disease models. Here, we focus on multimodal molecular imaging to gain insights into ASO distribution, simultaneously with a better understanding of the molecular pathways affected by ASOs. An improved understanding of therapeutic ASOs in tissue will potentially improve neurologic therapies, emphasizing their importance in patient care.