Sonic nebulized nucleic acid/cationic liposome complexes and methods for pulmonary gene delivery
AssigneeValentis, Inc.
InventorsRaviraj S. Pillai, Alain Rolland
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Abstract
Compositions and methods are provided for gene delivery to the respiratory tract. In particular, compositions comprising a nebulized nucleic acid/stabilizing agent complex, and methods employing such complexes for pulmonary gene delivery, are provided. Such complexes are preferably sonic nebulized.
Claims22
A method for preparing a sonic nebulized nucleic acid/stabilizing agent complex, comprising the steps of:
- (a) admixing a nucleic acid and a stabilizing agent comprising cationic liposomes at a negative to positive charge ratio ranging from about 1:2 to about 1:6 to form a positively charged nucleic acid/stabilizing agent complex;
- (b) formulating the positively charged nucleic acid/stabilizing agent complex in a physiologically acceptable carrier to form a stabilized nucleic acid formulation;
- and
- (c) aerosolizing said formulation with a sonic nebulizer.
A nucleic acid delivery apparatus comprising a sonic nebulizer in fluid communication with a stabilized nucleic acid formulation comprising a nucleic acid/stabilizing agent complex wherein the complex is prepared by admixing nucleic acid molecules with cationic liposomes at a charge ratio ranging from about 1:2 to about 1:6 (−/+).
A method for improving the transfection efficiency of aerosolized DNA comprising:
- (a) preparing a stabilized DNA formulation comprising a positively charged DNA/cationic lipid complex formed by admixing a solution of DNA with a suspension of cationic liposomes at a charge ratio ranging from about 1:2 to about 1:6 (−/+);
- (b) aerosolizing the stabilized DNA formulation using an ultrasonic nebulizer;
- and
- (c) introducing the aerosolized stabilized DNA formulation into an airway of a mammal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.