| abstract |
The present invention provides a device and a method for the enhanced retinal delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics utilizing iontophoresis to evoke a transient elongation of the Müller Cells of a mammalian eye. The enhanced retinal deposition can be achieved by either a topical application, subconjunctival, or an intravitreal injection of the nucleic acid composition followed by, preceded by, or administered simultaneously with the iontophoretic application. The present invention thus provides a particularly advantageous method for the treatment of ocular diseases comprising the in vivo administration of a nucleic acid capable of alleviating the symptoms of a disease, the delivery of the nucleic acid being enhanced by using iontophoresis. This method can be applied particularly to the diseases of the retina resulting from an alteration of a gene expression and/or the over-expression of particular growth factors. The diseases include, but are not limited to, human ocular retinopathies including, neovascular diseases (Age-Related Macular Edema, Diabetic Retinopathies, Diabetic Macular Edema, etc.) and inherited retinopathies such as retinitis pigmentosa. |