| abstract |
The present invention relates generally to a non-toxic lipid conjugated with a cationic amino acid containing a guanidino group. Specifically, the naturally-occurring lipid DOPE is combined with the naturally-occurring amino acid Arginine. These compounds are useful for encapsulating and delivering pharmaceuticals and poly and oligonucleotides. These compound improve over current compounds, because they are composed of non-toxic and, in the case of Arg-DOPE, natural components, and therefore result in minimal unwwanted side effects. Methods of use of the cationic lipids are also claimed. |