System and method for delivery of nucleic acid molecules by iontophoresis

A method of delivering ribonucleic acids to a target site of internal body tissue, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a ribonucleic acid drug solution having a concentration of from about 10 mg/mL to about 40 mg/mL;
• providing a surgically implantable iontophoresis device including a source electrode and a counter electrode, the iontophoresis device comprising
• a housing adapted to be secured to the target tissue and defining a reservoir having an opening covered by a membrane,
• a pad to absorb and retain aqueous formulations of nucleic acids prior to iontophoretic delivery, and
• a buffer gel,
• generating a localized electrical field by applying a current of between about 1 mA to about 10 mA between the source electrode and the counter electrode at the tissue of the target site for inducing the drug solution to permeate the membrane,
• wherein the nucleic acid is delivered by iontophoresis into the tissue of the target site at a treatment.