Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) nucleic acid ligand complexes

Abstract

This invention discloses a method for preparing a complex comprised of a VEGF Nucleic Acid Ligand and a Non-Immunogenic, High Molecular Weight Compound or Lipophilic Compound by identifying a VEGF Nucleic Acid Ligand by SELEX methodology and associating the VEGF Nucleic Acid Ligand with a Non-Immunogenic, High Molecular Weight Compound or Lipophilic Compound. The invention further discloses Complexes comprising one or more VEGF Nucleic Acid Ligands in association with a Non-Immunogenic, High Molecular Weight Compound or Lipophilic Compound. The invention further includes a Lipid construct comprising a VEGF Nucleic Acid Ligand or Complex and methods for making the same.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A pharmaceutically effective composition for treating macular degeneration comprising: 
 a RNA ligand to VEGF comprising the sequence fCmGmGrArAfUfCmAmGfUmGmAmAfUmGfCfUFUmAfUmAfCmAfUfCfCmG-3′3; and    a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier suitable for administration via intravitreal injection.    
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein said RNA ligand is complexed with a Non-Immunogenic, High Molecular Weight Compound.  
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 2  wherein said Non-Immunogenic, High Molecular Weight Compound is Polyalkylene Glycol.  
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 3  wherein said Polyalkylene Glycol is polyethylene glycol.  
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 4  wherein said polyethylene glycol has a molecular weight of about between 10-80 K.  
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 5  wherein said polyethylene glycol has a molecular weight of about 20-45 K.  
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 6  wherein said complex has the structure: