Complexes containing nucleic acid which can be taken-up by endocytosis into higher eukaryotic cells

US5922859A · kind A · utility

Assignees

• Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH · DE
• Genentech, Inc. · US

Inventors

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

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 5, 1993
• Grant date: Jul 13, 1999
• Expiry date: Aug 5, 2013

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C12N15/87
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Complexes between internalizing factor-bonding factor conjugates and nucleic acid which can be taken up into higher eukaryotic cells by endocytosis containing, in non-covalently bound form, one or more substances having an affinity for nucleic acid, which are capable of increasing the efficiency of absorption of the complexes into the cells. The non-covalently bound substance having an affinity for nucleic acid may optionally be identical to the bonding factor, preferably a polycationic substance. The internalizing factor is preferably transferrin. Processes for preparing the complexes and processes for introducing nucleic acid into higher eukaryotic cells. Pharmaceutical preparations containing complexes with a therapeutically active nucleic acid.