RNA interference mediated inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor gene expression using short interfering nucleic acid (siNA)

Abstract

This invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for modulating VEGF and/or VEGFR gene expression using short interfering nucleic acid (siNA) molecules. This invention also relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for modulating the expression and activity of other genes involved in pathways of VEGF and/or VEGFR gene expression and/or activity by RNA interference (RNAi) using small nucleic acid molecules. In particular, the instant invention features small nucleic acid molecules, such as short interfering nucleic acid (siNA), short interfering RNA (siRNA), double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), micro-RNA (miRNA), and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules and methods used to modulate the expression of VEGF and/or VEGFR genes. The application also relates to methods of treating diseases and conditions associated with VEGF and/or VEGFR gene expression, such as ocular diseases and conditions, including age related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy, as well as providing dosing regimens and treatment protocols.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.