Life Technologies Develops Potent Drug Delivery Technology for Therapeutics Market


Life Technologies corporation recently announced it has developed new drug delivery technology specially designed for therapeutic applications that is 100-fold more potent than previous formulations. The technology is available for licensing as part of a new out-licensing program.

Scientists at Life Technologies have developed the novel proprietary siRNA delivery reagents by using new lipid molecules and formulation design to significantly improve potency and minimize toxicity in vivo. A single dose of 12.5 micrograms siRNA per kilogram can achieve 50% knock-down of a target gene, according to Keith Farnsworth, Product Management Leader at Life Technologies.

“Historically, delivery of siRNA has been problematic due to the high risk of toxicity and hampered efficiency,” he said. “Life Technologies’ new formulations provide the pharmaceutical and biotech industries a viable platform to help develop siRNA drugs that overcome these challenges.”

The availability of the new formulations follows Life Technologies’ 2010 launch of Invivofectamine 2.0, a lipid-based siRNA delivery technology for the research market that can knock down up to four genes in vivo in lab models for extended periods with a single application. The novel formulations available through the out-licensing program use different molecules that make it ideal for therapeutic applications. For more information, contact Maya Tanaka, Sr. Manager, Business Development and Licensing, (760) 268-7982; Maya.Tanaka@lifetech.com.