Method of fixing and expressing physiologically active substance

Abstract

The present invention provides methods for retaining and expressing physiologically active substances in a target tissue-specific-manner, by administering the physiologically active substances to target submucous tissue. Specifically, the present inventors demonstrated that, when physiologically active substances were directly administered into submucous tissues without using a carrier, the physiologically active substances were effectively and safely retained at the administration sites over long periods without loss and diffusion, and produced the effect acting in a reservoir-like fashion. The physiologically active substances administered as described above were demonstrated to produce the therapeutic effect without having an influence on organs other than the administered organ.

1 . A method for retaining and expressing a nucleic acid in a target submucous tissue-specific manner, wherein the nucleic acid is administered by injection directly into the submucous tissue and wherein the nucleic acid is an siRNA. 
     
     
         2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the siRNA is administered in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the siRNA is administered in naked form. 
     
     
         6 . A method of retaining and expressing a nucleic acid in a target submucous tissue-specific manner, comprising:
 directly injecting a formulation into submucous tissue wherein the formulation comprises siRNA without using a carrier.   
     
     
         7 . A method of retaining and expressing a nucleic acid in a target submucous tissue-specific manner, comprising:
 directly injecting a formulation from a needle into submucous tissue wherein the formulation comprises siRNA in a naked form;   wherein the submucous tissue is selected from the group consisting of intestinal tract, ear, nose, uterus, urinary bladder and oral cavity.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the submucous tissue is intestinal tract tissue. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the intestinal tract tissue is tissue of the large intestine.