Compositions and methods for topical delivery of oligonucleotides

Abstract

The present invention relates to compositions and methods which enhance the delivery of nucleic acids and other nucleosidic moieties via topical routes of administration. The invention relates to the use of an aqueous solution to preferentially deliver nucleic acids preferentially to hair follicles. The invention relates to a method of inhibiting hair growth comprising administration of a nucleic acid preferentially to a hair follicle.

1 . A composition for delivery of a nucleic acid to a hair follicle comprising a nucleic acid and an aqueous solution. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the aqueous solution is normal saline. 
     
     
         3 . A method for delivering a nucleic acid preferentially to a hair follicle comprising:
 preparing a formulation comprising a nucleic acid in an aqueous solution, and   applying the formulation to skin wherein the skin comprises a hair follicle.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the aqueous solution is normal saline. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the aqueous solution is essentially free of any lipophilic compounds. 
     
     
         6 . A method for increasing uptake of a topically applied nucleic acid into skin comprising applying the nucleic acid formulation to skin wherein the skin has a relatively high density of hair follicles. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the nucleic acid formulation comprises an aqueous solution. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the nucleic acid formulation comprises a lipophilic compound. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the nucleic acid formulation comprises a penetration enhancer. 
     
     
         10 . A method for increasing systemic uptake of a topically applied nucleic acid comprising applying the nucleic acid formulation to skin wherein the skin has a relatively high density of hair follicles. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the nucleic acid formulation comprises a lipophilic compound. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the nucleic acid formulation comprises a penetration enhancer. 
     
     
         13 . A method for delayed release of a nucleic acid into skin comprising:
 applying a first formulation comprising a nucleic acid in an aqueous solution without a lipophilic component to skin wherein the skin comprises a hair follicle; and   subsequently applying a second formulation comprising a lipophilic agent to the skin where the first formulation was applied.   
     
     
         14 . A method for inhibiting hair growth comprising:
 preparing a formulation for preferentially delivering the nucleic acid to a hair follicle, and   applying the formulation to skin where hair growth inhibition is desired.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the formulation comprises a nucleic acid in an aqueous solution.