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Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are short cationic peptides that have been extensively studied as drug delivery vehicles for proteins, nucleic acids and nanoparticles. However, the formulation of CPP-based therapeutics into different pharmaceutical formulations and their stability in relevant biological environments have not been given the same attention. Here, we show that a newly developed CPP, PepFect 14 (PF14), forms non-covalent nanocomplexes with short interfering RNA (siRNA), which are able to elicit efficient RNA-interference (RNAi) response in different cell-lines. RNAi effect is obtained at low siRNA doses with a unique kinetic profile. Furthermore, the solid dispersion technique is utilized to formulate PF14/siRNA nanocomplexes into solid formulations that are as active as the freshly prepared nanocomplexes in solution. Importantly, the nanocomplexes are stable and active in mediating RNAi response after incubation with simulated gastric fluid (SGF) that is highly acidic. These results demonstrate the activity of PF14 in delivering and protecting siRNA in different pharmaceutical forms and biological environments.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.jconrel.2012.06.006

Type

Journal article

Journal

J Control Release

Publication Date

20/08/2012

Volume

162

Pages

1 - 8

Keywords

Amino Acid Sequence, Animals, Cell Line, Cell-Penetrating Peptides, Cricetinae, Drug Carriers, Gastric Juice, Humans, Molecular Sequence Data, Nanostructures, RNA Interference, RNA, Small Interfering