Liposomal siRNA for ovarian cancer.

Discovery of RNA interference (RNAi) has been one of the most important findings in the last ten years. In recent years, small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated gene silencing is beginning to show substantial promise as a new treatment modality in preclinical studies because of its robust gene selective silencing. However, until recently, delivery of siRNA in vivo was a major impediment to its use as a therapeutic modality. We have used a neutral liposome, 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine (DOPC), for highly efficient in vivo siRNA delivery. Using siRNA tagged with Alexa-555, incorporated in DOPC liposomes, we have demonstrated efficient intra-tumoral delivery following either intraperitoneal or intravenous injection. Furthermore, EphA2-targeted siRNA in DOPC liposomes showed significant target modulation and anti-tumor efficacy.