Aptamers, the nucleic acids that can bind with high affinity and specificity to target molecules, have emerged as a promising class of molecules with various applications in medicine. These single-stranded nucleic acids can fold into specific three-dimensional structures that allow them to bind to their target proteins, inhibiting their function. Aptamers offer several advantages over traditional protein therapeutics, including their smaller size, synthetic accessibility, and ease of modification. Despite these properties, aptamers have been slow to reach the marketplace, with only one aptamer-based drug receiving approval so far. However, recent advancements have placed aptamers in the spotlight as a new class of oligonucleotides with significant therapeutic potential. In this article, we will explore the applications of aptamers in medicine, focusing on their role as diagnostic tools and therapeutic agents in disorders. We will delve into the process of aptamer development, including the systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) method. Additionally, we will discuss the challenges and future perspectives of aptamer technology.

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