Using MDIs to deliver pDNA
If an MDI formulation can deliver DNA that remains viable after aerosolization, without any toxicity to cells from the formulation, MDIs could potentially become the delivery method of choice for gene therapy. This article describes a proof of concept method for doing so.
For some time, researchers have been investigating
the possibility that certain lung diseases, including
inheritable conditions like cystic fibrosis (CF) and
malignancies such as carcinomas, could potentially
respond to gene therapy delivered directly to the
lung. Studies have already shown some success in
correcting genetic defects. Pulmonary delivery of
DNA could also provide an effective immunization
against diseases such as influenza and measles, as
that routemimics the natural route of infection.