Poster Abstracts

DOCSPER—A Synthetic Lipid Fit for In Vivo ApplicationDOCSPER [1,3-Dioleoyloxy-2-(N5-carbamoyl-spermine)-propane] is a cationic amphiphile consisting of a hydrophobic 1,3 dioleylglycerol moiety and threefold positively charged spermine head group (1). We optimised the 5-step-synthesis of the lipospermine and after up-scaling we have obtained sufficient amounts to initiate preclinical investigations. DOCSPER was tested for its ability to transfect eukaryotic cells in vitro. It has proven to possess high transfection efficiency in comparison to commercially available liposomal transfection agents. Furthermore, DOCSPER was extensively tested in several in vivo studies (23). These studies revealed a high transfection efficiency, whereas very low toxicity levels were detected. Thus, the results clearly indicate that the cationic lipid DOCSPER is a reliable, low-risk system for broad applications in gene therapy.Groth D. et al. Int J Pharm 1998; 162:143–157.Nikol S. et al. Int J Angiol 2000; 9:87–95.Armeanu S. et al. Mol Ther 2000; 1(4):366–375.