From siRNA to splice-switching oligonucleotides and antisense transcripts, RNA-based therapies are transforming oncology. Yet, validating these innovative approaches in vivo requires models that balance biological complexity with speed and practicality.

Inovotion’s NAMs CAM (Chorioallantoic Membrane) model offers a unique solution – an immune-reactive, vascularized environment ideal for mechanism-of-action, target validation, and toxicity evaluation of RNA therapeutics.

Recent publications highlighting RNA-based drug development using the CAM model:

1. LADON: A Natural Antisense RNA Driving Melanoma Metastasis
“LADON, a Natural Antisense Transcript of NODAL, Promotes Tumour Progression and Metastasis in Melanoma”
Dutriaux A et al. (2023). Noncoding RNA

Identified LADON, a natural antisense transcript of NODAL, as a key driver of melanoma progression. In the CAM model, LADON-expressing cells showed enhanced tumor formation and metastatic behavior, making CAM a valuable tool for investigating RNA regulators of invasiveness.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37987367/

2. Splicing Dysregulation and Drug Resistance in NSCLC
“Altered splicing of ATG16-L1 mediates acquired resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors of EGFR by blocking autophagy in non-small cell lung cancer”
Hatat AS et al. (2022). Mol Oncol

Demonstrated that altered splicing of the autophagy gene ATG16-L1 drives resistance to EGFR inhibitors. Neutralizing the β-isoform restored sensitivity and inhibited tumor growth in the CAM model, confirming its utility for studying alternative splicing and resistance mechanisms.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35593080/

3. Peptidase-Enhanced Cytotoxic RNA Drug for Osteosarcoma
“Targeting aggressive osteosarcoma with a peptidase-enhanced cytotoxic melphalan flufenamide
“Byrgazov K et al. (2020). Ther Adv Med Oncol

Validated the anti-tumor and anti-metastatic effects of melphalan flufenamide (melflufen) in the CAM model, showing rapid apoptosis and synergy with doxorubicin – reinforcing CAM as an RNA-compatible screening model.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32774473/

4. Poster at EACR 2025 – RNA Therapeutics in CAM: xRNA Target Validation Platform
“ xRNA In Ovo: Target Validation and Efficacy Studies Using Chicken Embryo Model (CAM Assay)”