Johns Hopkins University

Clark Zhang

Justin Scot Hanes

Jung Soo Suk

Panagiotis Mastorakos

Graeme F Woodworth

A synthetic gene delivery platform with a dense surface coating of hydrophilic and neutrally charged PEG, capable of rapid diffusion and widespread distribution in brain tissue, and highly effective gene delivery to target cells therein has been developed. Nanoparticles including nucleic acids, are formed of a blend of biocompatible hydrophilic cationic polymers and they hydrophilic cationic polymer conjugated to hydrophilic neutrally charged polymers such as polyethylene glycol. The nanoparticles are coated with polyethylene glycol at a density that imparts a near neutral charge and optimizes rapid diffusion through the brain parenchyma. Methods of treating a disease or disorder of the brain including administering a therapeutically effective amount of nanoparticles densely coated with polyethylene glycol are also provided.

Engineering synthetic brain penetrating gene vectors

Improved distribution can be achieved by delivering nanoparticles possessing non-adhesive surfaces via CED in a hyperosmolar infusate solution. This delivery strategy minimizes the hindrances imposed by the brain extracellular matrix and reduces the concentration of therapeutic that is confined within perivascular spaces.

Growing community of inventors

Sunnyvale, CA, United States of America

Clark Zhang