Abstract: In vivo methods are provided for using an electric field to delivery therapeutic or immunizing treatment to a subject by applying non-invasive, user-friendly electrodes to the surface of the skin. Thus, therapeutic or immunizing agents can be delivered into cells of skin for local and systemic treatments or for immunization with optimal gene expression and minimal tissue damage. In particular, therapeutic agents include naked or formulated nucleic acid, polypeptides and chemotherapeutic agents.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for delivering molecules such as pharmaceutical drugs and nucleic acids into skeletal muscle in vivo. The molecule is first injected into the muscle at one or multiple sites. Immediately or shortly after injection, electrodes are placed flanking the injection site and a specific amount of electrical current is passed through the muscle. The electrical current makes the muscle permeable, thus allowing the molecule to enter the cell. In the case where nucleic acid is injected, the efficiency of transfer permits expression of protein encoded by the nucleic acid in an amount that exhibits systemic biological activity and which generates a robust immune response.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the development of a method for cosmetic delivery of L-ascorbic acid-containing compositions to the layer of the skin wherein collagen formation takes place to enhance production of collagen and thereby combat some of the effects of aging and oxy-radical damage on skin. Sufficient electric pulses applied to a region of skin surface temporarily create new pathways through the lipid skin barrier, thereby delivering an L-ascorbic acid-containing composition through the lipid skin barrier and enhancing production of collagen in the region of the skin so treated. A handheld electrical pulser apparatus, optionally table-top adaptable, and methods of use for cosmetic treatment of degenerative skin conditions are provided by the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for inducing or increasing the vasodilation of a vessel. The invention further provides methods for inducing or increasing the flow of fluid through a vessel. An electrical impulse is applied to the vessel in order to induce or increase vessel vasodilation or to induce or increase the flow of fluid through the vessel. In a particular embodiment, a novel double-balloon catheter system incorporating electroporation technology has been designed and is used to apply the electrical impulse endoluminally.

Abstract: A method is provided for introducing nucleic acid into a cell, by contacting the cell with a nucleic acid and applying a low electrical field impulse for a long pulse length. A method is provided for introducing a polypeptide into a cell, by contacting the cell with the polypeptide and applying a low electrical field impulse for a long pulse length.

Abstract: A method for in vivo electrotherapy, or electroporation-mediated therapy, using a needle array apparatus is provided. Treatment of tumors with a combination of electroporation using the apparatus of the invention, and a chemotherapeutic agent, caused regression of tumors in vivo.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing a preselected molecule into a living cell by contacting the cell with the preselected molecule and applying a multiple series of electrical pulses to the cell. The method can be utilized ex vivo. The multiple electrical pulses generate rotating electric fields which introduce transient pores in the living cell without killing the cell. The rotating electric fields are provided in a flow through chamber apparatus having more than two electrodes. A three-step pulse process, e.g. collection, electroporation, electrophoresis, is used to introduce the preselected molecule into the cell. A mechanical means of repositioning cells between successive pulses is also provided. The apparatus can also provide a means to pulse cells at different temperatures and then after pulsing, let the cells recover for a specified residence time at another temperature.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for an apparatus for trans-surface molecular includes a non-conductive carrier having a proximal surface, a distal surface, and a plurality of through holes from the proximal surface to the distal surface, a plurality of first electrodes disposed on the proximal surface, a first conductor disposed on at least a first portion of the distal surface and extending through at least a first portion of the plurality of through holes and connected to the first electrodes on the proximal surface, a plurality of second electrodes disposed on the proximal surface, and a second conductor disposed on at least a second portion of the distal surface and extending through at least a second portion of the plurality of through holes and connected to the second electrodes on the proximal surface, wherein the first electrodes and the second electrodes are configured and disposed in closely spaced relation on the proximal surface for engaging the tissue surface and applying an electric field.

Abstract: The present invention describes an in vivo method, using pulsed electric field to deliver therapeutic agents into cells of the skin and muscle for local and systemic treatments. In particular, therapeutic agents include naked or formulated nucleic acid, polypeptides and chemotherapeutic agents.

Abstract: In vivo methods are provided for using an electric field to delivery therapeutic treatment to a subject while reducing inducement of histopathological change in the target muscle tissue, such as is associated with induction or amplification of an immune response caused by the pulsed electric field. Therapeutic agents can be delivered nto cells of muscle for local and systemic treatments with optimal gene expression and minimal tissue damage. In particular, therapeutic agents include naked or formulated nucleic acid, polypeptides and chemotherapeutic agents.

Abstract: A method for delivery of an agent to a cell using electroporation is disclosed. The method includes positioning a first electrode and a second electrode such that an electrical signal passed between the first electrode and the second electrode passes through the cell. The method also includes passing an electrical signal between the first electrode and the second electrode, the electrical signal having a frequency greater than about 10 kHz. In one embodiment of the method, the electrical signal has a bipolar waveform. In another embodiment of the method, the electrodes are positioned at a treatment site, e.g., a tumor, for in vivo delivery of an agent.

Abstract: The present invention describes an in vivo method, using pulsed electric field to deliver therapeutic agents into cells of the skin and muscle for local and systemic treatments. In particular, therapeutic agents include naked or formulated nucleic acid, polypeptides and chemotherapeutic agents.

Abstract: A method for in vivo electrotherapy, or electroporation-mediated therapy, using a needle array apparatus is provided. Treatment of tumors with a combination of electroporation using the apparatus of the invention, and a chemotherapeutic agent, caused regression of tumors in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the development of a method for cosmetic delivery of L-ascorbic acid-containing compositions to the layer of the skin wherein collagen formation takes place to enhance production of collagen and thereby combat some of the effects of aging and oxy-radical damage on skin. Sufficient electric pulses applied to a region of skin surface temporarily create new pathways through the lipid skin barrier, thereby delivering an L-ascorbic acid-containing composition through the lipid skin barrier and enhancing production of collagen in the region of the skin so treated. A handheld electrical pulser apparatus, optionally table-top adaptable, and methods of use for cosmetic treatment of degenerative skin conditions are provided by the invention.

Abstract: A method for in vivo electrotherapy, or electroporation-mediated therapy, using a needle array apparatus is provided. Treatment of tumors with a combination of electroporation using the apparatus of the invention, and a chemotherapeutic agent, caused regression of tumors in vivo.

Abstract: A method for in vivo electrotherapy, or electroporation-mediated therapy, using a needle array apparatus is provided. Treatment of tumors with a combination of electroporation using the apparatus of the invention, and a chemotherapeutic agent, caused regression of tumors in vivo.

Abstract: Methods are provided for introducing a biologically active agent into cells of a subject by injecting the agent with a needle-free injector and applying a pulsed electric field to the region of tissue to cause electrotransport of the agent into cells of the tissue. Preferably the agent is either ionized to some degree or contained in an ionized medium for electrotransport. The needle-free injector can serve as an electrode by which the pulsed electric field is applied to the region of tissue. The active agents delivered into cells by this method include small molecules, polynucleotides, polypeptides, and the like. Polynucleotides introduced into cells using this method can be used to accomplish gene therapy or to modulate expression of an endogenous gene.

Abstract: A device for in vivo electroporation therapy comprising an electrode applicator with at least two pairs of electrodes arranged relative to one another to form an array and a power supply. The device is used to generate an electric field in a biological sample and effect introduction of selected molecules into cells of the sample.

Abstract: A method for in vivo electrotherapy, or electroporation-mediated therapy, using a needle array apparatus is provided. Treatment of tumors with a combination of electroporation using the apparatus of the invention, and a chemotherapeutic agent, caused regression of tumors in vivo.

Abstract: A method for in vivo electrotherapy, or electroporation-mediated therapy, using a needle array apparatus is provided. Treatment of tumors with a combination of electroporation using the apparatus of the invention, and a chemotherapeutic agent, caused regression of tumors in vivo.