Methods are proved for introducing a biologically active agent into cells
of a subject by introducing the agent in a form suitable for
electrotransport into a region of tissue of the subject using one or more
needle-free injectors, and applying a pulsed electric field to the region
of tissue, thereby causing electroporation of the region of tissue. The
combination of needle-free injection and electroporation is sufficient to
introduce the agent into cells in skin, muscle or mucosa. For example,
the region of tissue can be contacted with two oppositely charged
injectors, one acting as the donor electrode and one acting as the
counter electrode, or a single injector and one or more electrodes can be
used. In addition, needle-free injection may be used in combination with
suitable non-invasive electrode configurations. The active agents
delivered into cells using the invention method can be small molecules,
polynucleotides, polypeptides, and the like.