David T Barba

US Patent:

6663857, Dec 16, 2003

Filed:

May 13, 1994

Appl. No.:

08/242193

Inventors:

David Barba - San Diego CA
Fred H. Gage - La Jolla CA

Assignee:

The Regents of the University of California - Oakland CA

International Classification:

A01N 6300

US Classification:

424 9321, 424 936, 424 932, 514 44, 4353201

Abstract:

The present invention is directed to methods of transferring therapeutic genes to brain tumor cells in order to kill the cells. In general, the method of the present invention comprises: (1) introducing a retrovirus containing a selectable marker and at least one gene required for its replication into producer cells such that integration of the proviral DNA corresponding to the retrovirus into the genome of the producer cell results in the generation of a modified retrovirus wherein at least one of the genes required for replication of the retrovirus is replaced by the therapeutic gene or genes; (2) selecting producer cells in which the modified retrovirus is incorporated as part of the genome of the producer cells; (3) grafting the producer cells in proximity to the dividing tumor cell in order to infect the tumor cell with the modified retrovirus, thereby transferring the therapeutic gene or genes to the tumor cell; and (4) killing the cells by administering a substance that is metabolized by the therapeutic gene transferred to the tumor cells into a metabolite that kills the cells. Suitable retroviral vectors and methods for generating them, producer cells, and grafting methods are described.

US Patent:

6663858, Dec 16, 2003

Filed:

Jun 5, 1995

Appl. No.:

08/468411

Inventors:

David Barba - San Diego CA
Fred H. Gage - La Jolla CA

Assignee:

The Regents of the University of California - Oakland CA

International Classification:

A01N 6300

US Classification:

424 9321, 424 936, 424 932, 514 44, 4353201

Abstract:

The present invention is directed to methods of transferring therapeutic genes to brain tumor cells in order to kill the cells. In general, the method of the present invention comprises: (1) introducing a retrovirus containing a selectable marker and at least one gene required for its replication into producer cells such- that integration of the proviral DNA corresponding to the retrovirus into the genome of the producer cell results in the generation of a modified retrovirus wherein at least one of the genes required for replication of the retrovirus is replaced by the therapeutic gene or genes; (2) selecting producer cells in which the modified retrovirus is incorporated as part of the genome of the producer cells; (3) grafting the producer cells in proximity to the dividing tumor cell in order to infect the tumor cell with the modified retrovirus, thereby transferring the therapeutic gene or genes to the tumor cell; and (4) killing the cells by administering a substance that is metabolized by the therapeutic gene transferred to the tumor cells into a metabolite that kills the cells. Suitable retroviral vectors and methods for generating them, producer cells, and grafting methods are described.

US Patent:

55297749, Jun 25, 1996

Filed:

Aug 13, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/744335

Inventors:

David Barba - San Diego CA
Fred H. Gage - La Jolla CA

Assignee:

The Regents of the University of California - Oakland CA

International Classification:

A01N 6300
A01N 4304
A61K 4800
A61K 3170

US Classification:

424 9321

Abstract:

The present invention is directed to methods of transferring therapeutic genes to brain tumor cells in order to kill the cells. In general, the method of the present invention comprises: (1) introducing a retrovirus containing a selectable marker and at least one gene required for its replication into producer cells such that integration of the proviral DNA corresponding to the retrovirus into the genome of the producer cell results in the generation of a modified retrovirus wherein at least one of the genes required for replication of the retrovirus is replaced by the therapeutic gene or genes; (2) selecting producer cells in which the modified retrovirus is incorporated as part of the genome of the producer cells; (3) grafting the producer cells in proximity to the dividing tumor cell in order to infect the tumor cell with the modified retrovirus, thereby transferring the therapeutic gene or genes to the tumor cell; and (4) killing the cells by administering a substance that is metabolized by the therapeutic gene transferred to the tumor cells into a metabolite that kills the cells. Suitable retroviral vectors and methods for generating them, producer cells, and grafting methods are described.