The present invention provides systemic nucleic acid sequence delivery without conventional systemic administration aids (SAAs). In certain embodiments, vascular permeability agents (VPAs), such as VEGF, are used in conjunction with nucleic acid viral vectors, such as adeno-associated virus (AAV). The present invention also provides methods of treating disease by co-administration of nucleic cid sequences encoding Igf-1 and dystrophin or dystrophin-like proteins.