A nasal spray containing nanoparticles delivering a therapeutic gene relieves asthma in experimental animals.

Interferon gamma is a protein produced by the immune system which is a potential treatment for asthma. We already know that people with asthma have low levels of interferon gamma, but if it's given directly it tends to break down within an hour of administration.

Researchers at the University of Florida have now shown that interferon gamma can be delivered in another way. They encapsulated the gene that makes interferon gamma into nanoparticles and formulated these into a nasal spray. When given to lab mice with asthma, the spray relieved airway inflammation within hours. Once delivered to the lungs, the gene begins to make interferon gamma. The next stage is to see whether this treatment will be safe and effective for humans with asthma.

Source

Journal of Genetics, Vaccines and Therapy on-line 27th October 2003