Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for inhibiting or stimulating angiogenesis. The invention shows the implication of Dp71 in angiogenesis and thus provides novel therapeutic approaches, as well as novel methods for screening agents modulating angiogenesis, which target this protein. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of Dp71 or a variant thereof (or a coding nucleic acid) for stimulating angiogenesis in a subject, particularly a human subject. The invention relates to the use of an inhibitor of Dp71 for inhibiting angiogenesis in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the prevention and/or treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration by administering a CD 36-activator compound to a subject in need thereof; wherein the CD36 activator compound is the CD36 antibody FA6-152, or the growth hormone (GH)-releasing peptide family-derived compound EP80317 or the compound of Formula 1 [A-(Xaa)a-N(RA)—N(RB)—C(O)-(Xaa?)b-B]; and wherein the activator compound acts to maintain a healthy choroid and retinal oxygenation by enhanced COX2 expression.

Abstract: An azapeptide derivative of growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP) of Formula I: A-(Xaa)a-N(RA)—N(RB)—C(O)-(Xaa?)b-B which binds to CD 36.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and a method for the enhanced retinal delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics utilizing iontophoresis to evoke a transient elongation of the Müller Cells of a mammalian eye. The enhanced retinal deposition can be achieved by either a topical application, subconjunctival, or an intravitreal injection of the nucleic acid composition followed by, preceded by, or administered simultaneously with the iontophoretic application. The present invention thus provides a particularly advantageous method for the treatment of ocular diseases comprising the in vivo administration of a nucleic acid capable of alleviating the symptoms of a disease, the delivery of the nucleic acid being enhanced by using iontophoresis. This method can be applied particularly to the diseases of the retina resulting from an alteration of a gene expression and/or the over-expression of particular growth factors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for enhancing the in vivo delivery of chimeric oligonucleotides, containing for example DNA/2?OMeRNA, into cells of a plant, an animal or a human, comprising a step of applying topically to or injecting into a tissue, or tissue adjacent to a tissue, containing said cells, a composition comprising said chimeric oligonucleotide, followed by, preceded by, or simultaneously to a step of transferring said chimeric oligonucleotide into said cells by iontophoresis, and relates to a gene therapy method comprising the iontophorically transfer of a chimeric oligonucleotide DNA/2?OMeRNA. The present invention is also directed to particular chimeric oligonucleotides DNA/2?OMeRNA capable of inducing or inhibiting the expression of a specific gene involved in eye function by inducing or reverting a mutation in that specific gene, and their use as therapeutic composition for preventing or treating ocular diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for enhancing the in vivo delivery of chimeric oligonucleotides, containing for example DNA/2′OMeRNA, into cells of a plant, an animal or a human, comprising a step of applying topically to or injecting into a tissue, or tissue adjacent to a tissue, containing said cells, a composition comprising said chimeric oligonucleotide, followed by, preceded by, or simultaneously to a step of transferring said chimeric oligonucleotide into said cells by iontophoresis, and relates to a gene therapy method comprising the iontophorically transfer of a chimeric oligonucleotide DNA/2′OMeRNA. The present invention is also directed to particular chimeric oligonucleotides DNA/2′OMeRNA capable of inducing or inhibiting the expression of a specific gene involved in eye function by inducing or reverting a mutation in that specific gene, and their use as therapeutic composition for preventing or treating ocular diseases.