Atelocollagen-mediated systemic DDS for nucleic acid medicines

The goal of our research is to provide a practical platform for drug delivery in oligonucleotide therapy. We report here the efficacy of an atelocollagen-mediated oligonucleotide delivery system applied to systemic siRNA and antisense oligonucleotide treatments in animal disease models. Atelocollagen and oligonucleotides formed a complex of nanosized particles, which was highly stable against nucleases. The complex allowed oligonucleotides to be delivered efficiently into several organs and tissues via intravenous administration. In a tumor metastasis model, the complex successfully delivered siRNA to metastasized tumors in bone tissue and inhibited their growth. We also demonstrated that a single intravenous treatment of the antisense oligodeoxynucleotide complex suppressed ear dermatitis in a contact hypersensitivity model. These results indicate the strong potential of the atelocollagen-mediated drug delivery system for practical therapeutic technology.