Background on LPD Targeted Genetics, in collaboration with Dr. Leaf Huang of the University of Pittsburgh, is developing a series of improved synthetic delivery systems based on various formulations of cationic lipids. In one of these systems, designated "LPD" for lipid-polycation-DNA, the DNA is condensed through the addition of a polycation to form small, degradation resistant cores encapsulated in a lipid shell. The resulting LPD formulation contains particles of defined size, which have enhanced stability and gene transfer efficiency. Pre-clinical experiments in non-tumor bearing mice have shown that the LPD system is able to deliver genes systemically through intravenous administration.
tgDCC-E1A Clinical Trial Background Targeted Genetics' Phase I trials of tgDCC-E1A in 36 breast,
ovarian and head and neck cancer patients were completed in 1998. Dose-limiting toxicities were
observed only in patients with ovarian cancer who received the highest doses of tgDCC-E1A by
intraperitoneal infusion; however, subsequent changes to the procedure for making the final patient
preparation are expected to reduce these toxicities in future trials. E1A gene transfer was detected
in tumor samples from these patients in 15 of 15 patients tested. Eleven of 16 evaluable patients with
head and neck cancer or breast cancer exhibited stable disease or some shrinkage of tumor. Reduced
levels of HER-2/neu, a protein which is made by a cancer causing gene, was obser
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Contact: Page Sargisson
p.sargisson@noonanrusso.com
415-677-4455 x229
Noonan/Russo Communications
8-Dec-1999