Johns Hopkins University

Panagiotis Mastorakos

Justin Scot Hanes

Jung Soo Suk

Clark Zhang

Graeme F Woodworth

Kannan Rangaramanujam

Betty M Tyler

Manoj K Mishra

Antonella Mangraviti

Fan Zhang

Graeme Woodworth

A major challenge in non-viral gene delivery remains finding a safe and effective delivery system. Colloidally stable non-viral gene vector delivery systems capable of overcoming various biological barriers, are disclosed. The gene vectors are biodegradable, non-toxic and highly tailorable for use in specific applications. The vectors include a mixture of biodegradable copolymers, such as PBAE, and biodegradable polymers conjugated with hydrophilic, neutrally charged polymer, such as PEG. The gene vectors demonstrate broad vector distribution and high transgene delivery in vivo, providing an efficient non-viral gene delivery system for localized therapeutic gene transfer. Methods of using the vectors to overcome biological barriers including mucus gel and extracellular matrix are provided. Methods of formulating the vectors are also provided.

Highly stable biodegradable gene vector platforms for overcoming biological barriers

A composition comprising poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) hydroxyl-terminated dendrimers covalently linked to at least one therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic agent for the treatment or alleviation of one or more symptoms of a brain tumor have been developed. The dendrimers comprise one or more ethylene diamine-core poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) hydroxyl-terminated generation-4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10, most preferably generation 6 (G4-10-OH) dendrimers. The G6 dendrimers have demonstrated unexpectedly high uptake into the brain. The dendrimers provide a means for selective delivery through the blood brain barrier ('BBB') of chemotherapeutic, immunotherapeutic and palliative agents. The dendrimers also have the advantage that two different classes of compounds, having one or more mechanisms of action can be bound to the dendrimers, providing simultaneous delivery. The dendrimers may be administered alone by intravenous injection, or as part of a multi-prong therapy with radiation.

Selective dendrimer delivery to brain tumors

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.

Compositions and methods to improve nanoparticle distribution within the brain interstitium

Engineering synthethic brain penetrating gene vectors

Growing community of inventors

Charlottesville, VA, United States of America

Panagiotis Mastorakos