Abstract: The present invention concerns vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) which has utility in the treatment of intimal hyperplasia, hypertension and atherosclerosis, and of conditions susceptible to treatment with agents that produce nitric oxide or prostacyclin. Instead of VEGF, an equivalent agent such as an agonist of VEGF receptors may be given, as may nucleic acid encoding such an agonist. The agent may successfully be administered via the adventitial surface of a blood vessel, e.g., using a device which defines a reservoir between the body wall and the vessel's adventitial surface, the reservoir being at least part-filled by a pharmaceutical formulation containing the agent to be delivered.

Abstract: An adenovirus having a functional thymidine kinase gene is useful in the treatment of brain tumors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combination of (a) an inhibitor of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) activity and (b) a vector for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-, especially VEGF-C) gene transfer, a pharmaceutical preparation comprising (a) and (b) in combination together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier material; a product comprising (a) and (b) as defined above and optionally a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier material, for simultaneous, chronologically staggered or separate use; a method of administering or the use of said combination or product for the treatment of endothelial damage; and/or to the use of (a) and (b) for the manufacture of said pharmaceutical preparation or product for the treatment of endothelial damage.

Abstract: The present invention discloses amphiphilic 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives useful for the preparation of a composition for delivering nucleotide containing compounds into a target cell and/or its nucleus. Said composition comprises 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives having a good DNA condensing capacity and capability of self-association. Also disclosed are composition comprising said derivatives complexed with nucleotide containing compounds as well methods for the producing of said complexes. The invention is also related to the use of said 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives for manufacturing systems for delivering nucleotide containing compounds useful in gene therapy and DNA vaccination.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a biodegradable matrix material which is provided in a form that can be wrapped around a body part, in combination or impregnated with an agent that can be delivered to treat a condition via the adventitial surface of a body part, the agent being in a form that can be taken up by the matrix material. These components are provided for use in the treatment of the condition, for example, by using a sealant to form a seal around the matrix material when impregnated with the agent.