MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a broad class of small non-coding RNAs that control 
expression of complementary target messenger RNAs. Dysregulation of miRNAs has 
been described in various disease states including cancer and cardiac disease. A 
particular miRNA that was consistently reported to be upregulated in both cancer 
and various forms of cardiovascular diseases is miR-21. MiR-21 exerts oncogenic 
activity and therefore is considered as an oncomir. In the cardiovascular system 
miR-21 is enriched in fibroblasts and contributes to the development of fibrosis 
and heart failure. MiR-21 therefore emerges as an interesting candidate for the 
development of therapeutic strategies against many forms of cancer as well as 
heart diseases. Indeed, treatment with anti-miR-21 oligonucleotides reduced 
breast cancer growth. Inhibition of miR-21 by synthetic miRNA antagonists 
(antagomirs) improved heart function in a cardiac disease model. The same 
beneficial effects were observed in miR-21 knockout mice subjected to 
pressure-overload of the left ventricle underlining the key role of miR-21 as a 
therapeutic target. We here overview the current patent situation about the 
therapeutic use of miR-21 modulation in cancer and cardiovascular disease.