Oz Biosciences : Magnetofection™ Reagents, A Unique Solution For In Vivo Targeted Nucleic Acids Delivery

Online, September 10, 2012 (Newswire.com) - The main problems currently associated with systemic gene vector administration (gene therapy) include biodistribution of gene vector throughout the body, lack of specificity towards a pathological site (bioavailability at the target site), non-specific toxicity, inactivation of vectors due to undesired interactions with components of the in vivo milieu and other side effects due to high vector doses.

Magnetofection™ resolves the problems related to diffusion limited process and to restricted bioavailability at the target site. In vivo Magnetofection™ reagents have been designed for in vivo targeted transfection and infection. This original system combines magnetic nanoparticles and nucleic acid vectors that will be confined after injection at the magnetically targeted site.

"In this way, targeted delivery minimizes systemic distribution and reduces toxicity," explains Olivier Zelphati, CEO of OZ Biosciences. "Furthermore, the magnetic force will enhance the uptake of magnetic nanoparticles by the target tissue, and thus improve the efficiency of transfection or/ transduction. This allows reducing the required nucleic acid doses and the process time of delivery which is crucial for improvement of in vivo nucleic acid delivery." Gene vectors /nanoparticles complexes can be easily administrated through various injection routes such as systemic administration (intravenous, intra-artery) or local administration (intraperitoneal, intratumoral, intracerebroventricular, intramuscular ).

OZ Biosciences offers three types of ready-to-use In vivo Magnetofection™ reagents:

- Non viral applications: In vivo PolyMag, a cationic polymer-based magnetic nanoparticles formulation, and In vivo DogtorMag, a cationic lipid-based magnetic nanoparticles formulation, have been designed for in vivo targeted transfection of various types of nucleic acids such as DNA, RNA and oligonucleotides.

- Viral applications: In vivo ViroMag is an optimized nanoparticles formulation dedicated to viral vectors that allows reduction of titer virus. It is particularly suitable for Lentiviral/Retroviral, Adenoviral and Adeno-Associated Viral (AAV) vectors.

About OZ Biosciences
OZ Biosciences creates, develops and produces innovative transfection reagents and transduction tools for the scientific community and pharmaceutical industry.
As an innovative technology-based company, OZ Biosciences continually provides enabling technologies for the delivery of biomolecules. Located at the Luminy Scientific Park, the heart of important biological research activity in Marseille, France, the company has established a strong position in the field of molecular delivery systems.

For more information please visit www.ozbiosciences.com
Contact: Olivier Zelphati - +33(0)4 86 94 85 16 - [email protected]
SOURCE: OZ Biosciences