| abstract |
The present invention relates to aptamers capable of binding to a receptor-binding form of urokinase-type plasminogen activator protein, u-PA. Furthermore, the present invention relates to use of the aptamers for prevention of u-PA-mediated proteolytic activity at the cell surface for the preparation of a composition for preventing or counteracting proteolytic activity on the surface of a cell. The aptamers of the present invention may additionally be used as imaging agents or used for the treatment or prevention of cancer and/or metastatic spread. Within the scope of the present invention is also pharmaceutical compositions and diagnostic kits comprising aptamers. |