Protein-polycation nucleic acid complexes and methods of use

US5792645A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Hartmut Beug · Wien, AT
• Max L. Birnstiel · Wien, AT
• Matthew Cotten · Wien, AT
• Ernst-Werner Wagner · Langenzersdorf, AT

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 6, 1994
• Grant date: Aug 11, 1998
• Expiry date: Jun 6, 2014

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C12N15/64
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for transporting nucleic acids into the cell, which is effected by receptor-mediated endocytosis. Using a transferrin-polycation conjugate, a complex can be formed with the polyanionic nucleic acid. This complex is bound to the transferrin receptor, which is highly regulated in growing cells, and absorbed into the cell. Suitable nucleic acids include those which inhibit specific genes or the RNA function, such as antisense oligonucleotides or ribozymes or the genes coding for them. The invention further relates to a process for introducing nucleic acids into the cells, transferrin-polycation/nucleic acid complexes and pharmaceutical preparations containing them.