MIDGE® Vector System

 

DNA vectors

In biotechnology, delivery vehicles for the transmission of nucleic acids (primarily DNA) are called vectors. Under this definition we find such diverse approaches as viral vectors or plasmid vectors. Alongside the genetic information required for the action, the vectors exhibit a large number of other structures, which are necessary for such processes as the production or augmentation of the vectors, e.g. resistance genes against antibiotics, but can engender significant drawbacks or adverse effects during treatment.

 

Minimalistic approach

The MIDGE technology developed by MOLOGEN is also described as a DNA vector. In contrast to other DNA vectors (plasmids, viruses), the MIDGE (Minimalistic Immunogenically Defined Gene Expression) vector only contains the information necessary for the actual action, however. It is free of undesirable structures that are only used for the manufacturing process. Its DNA structure is linear and covalently closed by single-stranded hairpin structures at both ends, which also produces the characteristic small size of these vectors. MIDGE vectors are around 50-80% smaller than previous plasmid-based DNA vectors and are even considerably smaller than viral vectors.

 

MOLOGEN’s MIDGE vector system thus overcomes the disadvantages that other gene transfer and expression systems exhibit in efficacy and safety.

 

 

MIDGE vectors are non-toxic and non-inflammatory – even when administered in dosages that far exceed what is clinically relevant. No immune reactions are triggered against MIDGE vectors, and far more importantly yet, the vector is not integrated into the patient’s genetic make-up. MIDGE vectors thus lead to a safe and efficient prophylactic or therapeutic gene expression.

 

Smart MIDGE vectors

Another outstanding property of the MIDGE vectors is found in the fact that their hairpin structures can be chemically altered. Because of this, modifications with peptides, carbohydrates and many other elements can be implemented. The Smart MIDGE vectors generated in this way can be used in the most varied of medical applications as well as customized for research. The most prominent representative of this unique class of DNA vectors is our  MIDGE-Th1 vector, which is especially well suited for the development of vaccines.

 

MOLOGEN®, MIDGE® and dSLIM® are registered trademarks of MOLOGEN AG