Non-coding RNAs and new opportunities for the private sector

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been recently implicated in several molecular mechanisms in eukaryotes. They are a group of transcripts with no protein-coding potential that may have multiple functions and in many cases they have been associated with diseases. Some companies have already started to launch platforms such as arrays and products on the basis of new DNA sequencing technologies aimed at identifying and studying different types of ncRNAs but this represents just a small step toward the understanding of this new area of research. The private sector should start paying more attention to ncRNAs in order to improve the pipeline for drug discovery, drug development and facilitate the identification of new diagnostic and prognostic markers.