Abstract: The present invention provides nanoparticle compositions comprising a cationic biopolymer and at least one biologically active substance, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such nanoparticles and methods for the oral administration of biologically active molecules which are susceptible to degradation in the gastro-intestinal tract using nanoparticle. The present invention further provides compositions and methods for the oral administration of gene therapy.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a composition for widespread distribution, systemic expression and sustained delivery of a therapeutic agent and to a process for administration of a therapeutic agent via a natural gastrointestinal pathway. More particularly, the invention discloses a composition for the administration of oral gene therapy and a process for its production and use.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method for the induction of tolerance to a foreign transgene or a self-antigen in an animal host by administration of a composition to an animal host via a natural gastrointestinal pathway. Additionally, the present method can eliminate a pre-existing immune response in an animal host. The composition administered when carrying out the method achieves widespread distribution, systemic expression and sustained delivery of a genetic material in an animal host. More particularly, the invention discloses a method useful for both eliciting tolerance and for abrogation of a pre-existing immune response by oral administration of a genetic material.

Abstract: The present invention provides nanoparticle compositions comprising a cationic biopolymer and at least one biologically active substance, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such nanoparticles and methods for the oral administration of biologically active molecules which are susceptible to degradation in the gastro-intestinal tract using nanoparticle. The present invention further provides compositions and methods for the oral administration of gene therapy.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method of producing transgenic animals by administration of a composition to an animal via a natural gastrointestinal pathway. The composition achieves widespread distribution, systemic expression and sustained delivery in the animal. More particularly, the invention discloses a method for producing a transgenic animal using oral gene therapy. The present invention also provides transgenic animals produced by this method.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a composition for widespread distribution, systemic expression and sustained delivery of a therapeutic or transdifferentiating agent and to a process for administration of said agent via a natural gastrointestinal pathway. More particularly, the invention discloses a composition for the administration of oral gene therapy and a process for its production and use.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method for the induction of tolerance to a foreign transgene or a self-antigen in an animal host by administration of a composition to an animal host via a natural gastrointestinal pathway. Additionally, the present method can eliminate a pre-existing immune response in an animal host. The composition administered when carrying out the method achieves widespread distribution, systemic expression and sustained delivery of a genetic material in an animal host. More particularly, the invention discloses a method useful for both eliciting tolerance and for abrogation of a pre-existing immune response by oral administration of a genetic material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method of producing transgenic animals by administration of a composition to an animal via a natural gastrointestinal pathway. The composition achieves widespread distribution, systemic expression and sustained delivery in the animal. More particularly, the invention discloses a method for producing a transgenic animal using oral gene therapy. The present invention also provides transgenic animals produced by this method.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a composition for widespread distribution, systemic expression and sustained delivery of a therapeutic agent and to a process for administration of a therapeutic agent via a natural gastrointestinal pathway. More particularly, the invention discloses a composition for the administration of oral gene therapy and a process for its production and use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel approach to vaccination and/or treatment using encapsulated cells for eliciting immune responses. More specifically, the present invention is to provide a method or process for inducing an immune response in a host, wherein the process comprises the steps of: enclosing genetically engineered antigen-producing cells comprising one or more transgene, into an immunoisolating implantable device to provide encapsulated antigen-producing cells; introducing the encapsulated antigen-producing cells in the host; production of the transgene antigen product; bi-directional passage of the produced antigen product through the pores of the microcapsules, with preclusion of the passage of the antigen-producing cells therethrough; delivery of a continuous infusion of antigen to the host; activation of the immune system in response to the antigen.