Abstract: The invention concerns oligobenzimidazole derivatives capable of combining with nucleic acids and their uses including for transferring in vitro, in vivo, or ex vivo nucleic acids into cells or for visual display of nucleic acids administered by fluorescence.

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel agent for transferring nucleic acids into cells. Said agent is particularly characterised in that it comprises one or several disulphide bonds sensitive to reducing conditions. The invention also concerns compositions comprising such an agent for transferring in vivo, ex vivo or in vitro nucleic acids of interest into different cell types.

Abstract: The invention concerns compounds for transferring nucleic acids into cells. The compounds are more particularly related to the lipopolyamine family, and comprise amidine functions. The compounds are useful for transferring nucleic acids of interest into various cellular types, in vitro, in vivo, or ex vivo.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical composition useful for transfecting a nucleic acid and characterised in that it contains, in addition to the nucleic acid, at least one transfecting agent and a compound causing the condensation of the nucleic acid, wherein the compound is totally or partly derived from a histone, a nucleoline, a protamine and/or a derivative thereof. The use of the composition for transferring nucleic acids in vitro, ex vivo and/or in vivo is also described.

Abstract: Cationic lipids of general formula (I), wherein m is an integer from 2 to 6 inclusive; n is an integer from 1 to 9 inclusive, preferably 1-5, where, when n is 2-9, a single R grouping other than hydrogen is present in the general formula, and m has variable or identical values within the groupings (a) or --(CH.sub.2).sub.m ; R is a hydrogen atom or a radical of general formula (II), wherein X or X.sup.1, which are the same or different, are an oxygen atom, a methylene grouping --(CH.sub.2).sub.q -- where q is 0, 1, 2 or 3, or an amino grouping --NH-- or NR.sup.1 --, where R is a C.sub.1-4 alkyl grouping; Y and Y.sup.1, which are the same or different, are a hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted C.sub.1-4 alkyl radical, and p is 0-5; and R.sub.6 is a cholesterol derivative or an alkylamino grouping --NR.sub.1 R.sub.2, where R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are, independently of each other, a straight or branched, saturated or unsaturated C.sub.12-22 aliphatic radical.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical composition useful for transfecting a nucleic acid and characterised in that it contains, in addition to the nucleic acid, at least one transfecting agent and a compound causing the condensation of the nucleic acid, wherein the compound is totally or partly derived from a histone, a nucleoline, a protamine and/or a derivative thereof. The use of the composition for transferring nucleic acids in vitro, ex vivo and/or in vivo is also described.

Abstract: Biologically active, backbone-cyclized peptides of the formula: ##STR1## wherein ?AA! or ?A.sup.1 A.sup.1 ! is a naturally occurring or synthetic amino acid residue, n or e is an integer of 1-10, m or d is 0 or an integer of 1-10, R is a naturally occurring or synthetic amino acid side-chain, E is a hydroxyl moiety or a carboxyl protecting group of a blocking group, optionally covalently attached to an insoluble polymeric support, and the circled line designates a spacer group of ##STR2## for formula I wherein M is --S--S--, --CO--NH-- or --S-- and p and q each is an integer of 2-10, or--(CH.sub.2).sub.p --(M).sub.x --Y (IV)for formula II wherein M is an amino or carboxyl group or a sulfur atom, p is an integer of 2-10, x is 0 or 1 and Y is a side-chain of a backbone amino acid. Also, processes for the preparation of these peptides and pharmaceutical compositions containing them.