In the study, regrowth of cells occurred in only 8 percent of the arteries. In addition, the researchers believe they might be able to treat the underlying heart disease by delivering DNA into the heart with a stent. Levy and colleagues at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center tested the technique in cell cultures and pigs. The findings of the research, which was partially funded by Selective Genetics , were published in the November issue of Nature Biotechnology . The researchers believe that by covering the metal stent with a biodegradable film coated with DNA, the regrowth of cells following a stent implant can be prevented by gene therapy delivered directly to the artery and released slowly over time in a localized area.
Delivery is one of the biggest concerns in gene therapy.
Localized gene therapy delivered directly to the area needing treatment would help doctors avoid using problematic delivery systems like viruses. But this study in animals shows that the gene delivery technique is possible. Wired Digital Inc. All rights reserved.