Patent ID: 6221848
Filing Date: 2001-04-24
Classification: A61K,A61P

Abstract:
A method for protecting cells of the oral cavity, oropharynx, esophagus, small intestine or colon in a mammalian subject from an agent that elicits production of a toxic species selected from the group consisting of a free radical, a superoxide anion, and a heavy metal cation, said method comprising administering in vivo, to normal cells of the oral cavity, oropharynx, esophagus, small intestine or colon at a site remote from a site to be treated by said agent, a protective pharmaceutical composition to the oral cavity, oropharynx, or esophagus of a subject undergoing radiation treatment for lung cancer, or to the small intestine or colon of a subject undergoing radiation treatment for cancer in the lower abdomen, said pharmaceutical composition comprising(A) a polynucleotide that encodes a protein that is transiently expressed in said subject, and wherein said protein neutralizes or eliminates said toxic species; and(B) a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle for said polynucleotide.