Biological membrane transporters: Delivery of an oligonucleotide inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (2004-2005)
Abstract
Choroidal neovascularisation, which is the most severe form of Age Related Macular Degeneratoin is the major cause of blindness in the developed world. Gene therapy could be a cure for this disease if the problems associated with the delivery of DNA could be addressed. Our project involves a highly novel strategy for gene delivery involving ion pair formation of lipophilic dendrimers (tree-like compounds with positive charges on the surface). We will develop new DNA/dendrimer complexes adn test them in a well established animal nodel for neovascularisation. Successful completion of this project might offer a potential therapy for choroidal neovascularisation, with a good chance of entering into human clinical trials.