Licensing Opportunity
Tail Vein Delivery of Nucleic Acids
For In Vivo Gene Expression and Knockdown
(plasmid DNA & siRNA applications)
Researchers have long desired an effective method to deliver genes, and more recently siRNA molecules, to liver hepatocytes in animals. Mirus Bio Corporation and its collaborators at the University of Wisconsin – Madison have solved this challenge by identifying delivery parameters which facilitate the rapid uptake of nucleic acid molecules into hepatocytes following a tail vein injection. The preferred protocol involves the rapid injection into a rodent’s tail vein of a sufficient volume of nucleic acid solution so as to elevate the pressure within the blood vessel and enhance the vessel’s permeability, thereby enabling passage of large nucleic acid molecules to target cells outside the blood vessel. This protocol has been commonly referred to as either “hydrodynamic” or “high pressure” delivery. Given its efficacy, ease-of-use, and ability to allow long-term gene expression, Mirus’ technique is quickly replacing the use of viral vectors to target the liver for research purposes, because these remain highly laborious, costly and immunogenic.
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