The present invention provides a device and a method for the enhanced
retinal delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics utilizing iontophoresis to
evoke a transient elongation of the Muller Cells of a mammalian eye. The
enhanced retinal deposition can be achieved by either a topical
application, subconjunctival, or an intravitreal injection of the nucleic
acid composition followed by, preceded by, or administered simultaneously
with the iontophoretic application. The present invention thus provides a
particularly advantageous method for the treatment of ocular diseases
comprising the in vivo administration of a nucleic acid capable of
alleviating the symptoms of a disease, the delivery of the nucleic acid
being enhanced by using iontophoresis. This method can be applied
particularly to the diseases of the retina resulting from an alteration
of a gene expression and/or the over-expression of particular growth
factors. The diseases include, but are not limited to, human ocular
retinopathies including, neovascular diseases (Age-Related Macular Edema,
Diabetic Retinopathies, Diabetic Macular Edema, etc.) and inherited
retinopathies such as retinitis pigmentosa.