Compositions for the delivery of biologically active molecules using genetically altered cells contained in biocompatible immunoisolatory capsules

US6264941A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Neurotech S.A. · FR

Inventors

• Edward E. Baetge · Barrington, US
• Joseph P. Hammang · Barrington, US
• Frank T. Gentile · East Greenwich, US
• Mark D. Lindner · Bristol, US
• Shelley R. Winn · Providence, US
• Dwaine F. Emerich · Glocester, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 25, 1999
• Grant date: Jul 24, 2001
• Expiry date: Jan 25, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61K38/00
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

This invention provides improved devices and methods for long-term, stable expression of a biologically active molecule using a biocompatible capsule containing genetically engineered cells for the effective delivery of biologically active molecules to effect or enhance a biological function within a mammalian host. The novel capsules of this invention are biocompatible and are easily retrievable. This invention specifically provides improved methods and compositions which utilize cells transfected with recombinant DNA molecules comprising DNA sequences coding for biologically active molecules operatively linked to promoters that are not subject to down regulation in vivo upon implantation into a mammalian host. Furthermore, the methods of this invention allow for the long-term, stable and efficacious delivery of biologically active molecules from living cells to specific sites within a given mammal. In addition, this invention provides a general means for maintaining, for extended periods of time, the in vivo expression of transgenes.