Authors: Bhavsar, Mayank D¹; Amiji, Mansoor M²

Source: Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery, Volume 4, Number 3, May 2007 , pp. 197-213(17)

Publisher: Informa Healthcare

Abstract:

Gene therapy refers to local or systemic administration of a nucleic acid construct that can prevent, treat and even cure diseases by changing the expression of genes that are responsible for the pathological condition. Oral gene therapy has significant promise for treatment of local diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and for systemic absorption of the expressed protein therapeutics. In addition, efficient oral delivery of DNA vaccines can have significant impact in disease prevention. The use of polymeric gene delivery vectors promises the translation of this experimental medical concept into clinical reality. This review addresses the challenges and opportunities in the development of polymer-based nano- and microparticle technologies for oral gene therapy. Specifically, the discussion is focused on different synthetic and natural polymers used for formulating nano- and microparticle technologies and the use of these delivery systems for oral DNA administration for therapeutic and vaccination purposes.

Keywords: gastrointestinal tract; gene therapy; microparticles; nanoparticles; plasmid DNA; polymeric vaccines

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1517/17425247.4.3.197

Affiliations: 1: 1Doctoral Candidate, Northeastern University, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy,110 Mugar Life Sciences Building, Boston, MA 02115, USA 2: 2Professor and Associate Chair, Northeastern University, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, 110 Mugar Life Sciences Building, Boston, MA 02115, USA., Email: m.amiji@neu.edu

Publication date: 2007-05-01

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