Antisense restenosis composition and method

Abstract

The present invention provides an improved method for reducing the risk or severity of restenosis following cardiac angioplasty. The method includes administering to a target vessel region, a morpholino antisense compound having uncharged phosphorus-containing backbone linkages, and spanning the start codon of a human c-myc mRNA. Also disclosed are novel antisense compounds and compositions, and a method for assaying the effectiveness of antisense delivery and uptake to a target vessel region.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 493,427, filed Jan. 29, 2000, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 117,846, filed Jan. 29, 1999, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to compositions and methods for treating restenosis, and in particular to an antisense composition directed against c-myc, and a method of administering the composition to reduce the risk of restenosis in transluminal angioplasty, such as percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). REFERENCES [0003] Alfke H; et al.; Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol, 21(1) p. 50-6, (1998). [0004] Allen R T; et al.; Scanning, 20(8):577-86, (1998). [0005] Badimon L; et al.; Z Kardiol, 84(Suppl 4):145-9, (1995). [0006] Barath P; et al.; Cathet Cardiovasc Diagn, 41 (3) p. 333-41, (1997). [0007] Bartorelli A L; et al. Cathet Cardiovasc Diag, 42(3):313-20, (1997). [0008] Bauri...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a method for reducing the risk of restenosis in a patient's coronary vessel after angioplasty treatment. The method involves administering a specific antisense compound to the affected region of the vessel. The compound can be delivered using a catheter with a balloon or a stent, or through a hydrogel coating on the balloon. The compound can be administered in various ways such as direct injection, iontophoresis, or electroporation. The use of the specific antisense compound has been shown to reduce the risk of restenosis in animal models.

Problems solved by technology

Despite improvements in equipment and techniques, restenosis persists as the limiting factor in the maintenance of vessel patency in angioplasty, occurring in 30% to 50% of patients, and accounting for significant morbidity and health care expenditures (Casterella).

Clinical trials in restenosis prevention using various revascularization devices, antiplatelet drugs, antithrombotic drugs, and anti-inflammatory agents have produced limited improvement in the incidence of restenosis.

Despite these advances, the incidence of restenosis, and the inability to predict the response to treatment, remains a serious risk factor in vascular angioplasty.

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