Abstract: Methods for introducing nucleic acids into mammalian cells are provided which use imidazolium lipids. The imidazolium lipids have the formula: wherein R1 and R2 each independently represent a C8-C24 saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon chain, uninterrupted or interrupted by from 1 to 3 heteroatom moieties selected from —O—, —S—, —NH— and —NR—; X represents —CH2—, —O—, —S—, —NH— or —NR—; wherein R is a lower alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; n is an integer of from 1 to 2; and A− is an anion.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula: ##STR1## are provided, in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 each independently represent a C.sub.8 -C.sub.24 saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon chain, which is optionally interrupted by from 1 to 3 heteroatom moieties, such as --O--, --S--, --NH-- and --NR--. The symbol X represents --CH.sub.2 --, --O--, --S--, --NH-- or --NR--. The R group for each of the --NR-- moieties represents an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Finally, the subscript n represents the integer 1 or 2, and A.sup.- represents an anion, preferably chloride or citrate.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing highly purified compositions of nucleic acids by using tangential flow ultrafiltration. A scaleable process for producing pharmaceutical grade plasmid DNA, useful for gene therapy, is provided, which is efficient and avoids the use of toxic organic chemicals.

Abstract: Cationic derivatives of biguanide are provided, which are useful in the preparation of lipid carriers for mediating transfection of mammalian cells in vivo and in vitro.

Abstract: Cationic amphiphiles are provided that are alkyl or alkoxyalkyl O-phosphate esters of diacylphosphatidyl zwitterionic compounds such as phosphatidylcholine or phosphatidyl ethanolamine. The amphiphiles can be used as carriers for delivering macromolecules intracellularly.

Abstract: This invention herein describes pharmaceutical compositions and methods for targeted delivery of functional genes into cells and tissues in vivo. The invention discloses DNA:lipid complexes, methods of making such complexes and methods of using such complexes for facilitating the targeted delivery and entry of recombinant expression constructs into cells and tissues in vivo, and particularly delivery of such recombinant expression constructs by intravenous, intraperitoneal or direct injection.

Abstract: Amphiphiles containing an imidazdinium ring system are provided that are non-toxic to the host mammal. The amphiphiles are used to produce liposomes useful as carriers for delivering macromolecules intracellularly.

Abstract: Amphiphiles containing an imidazdinium ring system are provided that are non-toxic to the host mammal. The amphiphiles are used to produce liposomes useful as carriers for delivering macromolecules intracellularly.

Abstract: Cationic amphiphiles are provided that are alkyl or alkoxyalkyl O-phosphate esters of diacylphosphatidyl zwitterionic compounds such as phosphatidylcholine or phosphatidyl ethanolamine. The amphiphiles can be used as carriers for delivering macromolecules intracellularly.

Abstract: Novel, heterocyclic cationic amphiphile and compounds thereof are prepared that are degraded in vivo. Liposomes are produced from the cations that are used as carriers for delivering macromolecules intracellularly and may be targeted to a specific cell type.