Abstract: Reagents useful in nucleic acid immunization techniques are described. More particularly, adjuvanted genetic vaccine compositions are described, as are methods of using those compositions for inducing an enhanced immune response against a selected antigen.

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: Reagents useful in nucleic acid immunization techniques are described. More particularly, adjuvanted genetic vaccine compositions are described, as are methods of using those compositions for inducing an enhanced immune response against a selected antigen.

Abstract: Reagents useful in nucleic acid immunization techniques are described. More particularly, adjuvanted genetic vaccine compositions are described, as are methods of using those compositions for inducing an enhanced immune response against a selected antigen.

Abstract: A system and method for transdermally delivering a biologically active agent comprising one or more electrodes having stratum corneum-piercing projections and a circuit that delivers an electrical signal to the electrodes to electroporate a cell membrane. Preferably, the system is configured to generate homogeneous electrical fields and, more preferably, to generate spherically or semispherically symmetrical electric fields. Methods of the invention include applying a first electric signal to facilitate transdermal transport of the agent and applying a second electric signal to facilitate intracellular transport of the agent.

Abstract: A system and method for transdermally delivering a vaccine to a patient including an iontophoresis delivery device having a donor electrode, a counter electrode, and electric circuitry for supplying iontophoresis energy to the electrodes, and a non-electroactive microprojection member having a plurality of stratum corneum-piercing microprojections extending therefrom. The vaccine can be contained in a hydrogel formulation in an agent reservoir disposed proximate the donor electrode, in a biocompatible coating that is disposed on the microprojections or in both.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transdermally delivering a vaccine comprising a delivery system having (i) a microprojection member (or system) that includes a plurality of microprojections (or array thereof) that are adapted to pierce through the stratum corneum into the underlying epidermis layer, or epidermis and dermis layers and (ii) an ultrasonic device. In one embodiment, the vaccine is contained in a biocompatible coating that is applied to the microprojection member. In a further embodiment, the delivery system includes a gel pack having a vaccine-containing hydrogel formulation that is disposed on the microprojection member after application to the skin of a patient. In an alternative embodiment, the vaccine is contained in both the coating and the hydrogel formulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for stabilizing dried nucleic acids with carbohydrates such as non-reducing sugars, polysaccharides, and reducing sugars. Preferably, the stabilized nucleic acids are coated on a microprojection member for transdermal delivery. The invention further provides compositions and methods that involve the use of DNase inhibitors to stabilize dried nucleic acids delivered directly into bodily tissues.

Abstract: Methods are provided for enhancing an immune response induced by administration of a DNA vaccine. In the invention methods a DNA vaccine encoding an antigen and non-chemically associated adjuvant particles are injected into muscle, dermal or mucosal tissue of a subject at substantially the same time and the tissue is subjected to a pulsed electric field of sufficient strength to result in the DNA vaccine entering cells of the target tissue. The immune response to the antigen is enhanced as compared to when the DNA vaccine is administered alone or in combination with either of the electric pulses or the adjuvant particles without the other.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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.