US Patent 7638322 Hypoxia inducible VEGF plasmid for ischemic disease

Plasmids useful for treating ischemic disease, such as ischemic heart disease, are described. The plasmids express vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) under the control of a promoter (RTP801) that is up-regulated under hypoxic conditions. Pharmaceutical compositions for treating ischemic disease include mixtures of the hypoxia-regulated VEGF plasmids and pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. Methods for treating ischemic disease include administering such pharmaceutical compositions to a person in need of such treatment.