The invention relates to a double-stranded compound, preferably an oligoribonucleotide,which down-regulates the expression of a human p53 gene. The invention also relatesto a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound, or a vector capableof expressing the oligoribonucleotide compound, and a pharmaceutically acceptablecarrier. The present invention also contemplates a method of treating a patientsuffering from alopecia or acute renal failure or other diseases comprisingadministering to the patient the pharmaceutical composition in a therapeuticallyeffective dose so as to thereby treat the patient. The alopecia may be inducedby chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and the patient may be suffering from cancer,in particular breast cancer.
