Patent ID: 6656917
Filing Date: 2003-12-02
Classification: A61K,C07H,C07J,C12N

Abstract:
A method of enhancing cell growth comprising:(a) introducing directly into the cells a vector encoding an enzyme; and (b) administering an inactive conjugate of a bioactive compound having structure BLOCK-X-DRUG, wherein BLOCK represents a group that changes the biological activity of the bioactive compound and is selected from the group consisting of a monosaccharide derivative, a polysaccharide derivative, an amino acid derivative, a D-luciferin derivative, a &bgr;-lactam derivative and a peptide derivative, and wherein X is an atom or atoms in the structure of the native bioactive compound where attachment of a BLOCK group is facilitated, and wherein DRUG represents a portion of a bioactive compound known to have a positive effect on the biological function, growth, or characteristics of a cell, tissue or organism: and wherein the bioactive compound has structure H-X-DRUG; and wherein an enzyme activity does not naturally occur in the cells in an amount effective to release detectable amounts of the bioactive compound from conjugation, and wherein the enzyme encoded by the vector recognizes and binds to the inactive conjugate, and wherein the enzyme encoded by the vector releases the bioactive compound from conjugation in an amount effective to enhance growth.