LifeTide SW 5

LifeTide SW 5 is a veterinary DNA-based gene therapy product developed to enhance reproductive productivity in breeding sows. It consists of a plasmid DNA sequence encoding porcine growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). The therapy is administered as a single intramuscular injection followed by electroporation, which facilitates the uptake of the plasmid by muscle cells. Once inside the cells, the plasmid directs the production of GHRH, which in turn stimulates the sow's pituitary gland to release endogenous growth hormone through natural physiological feedback mechanisms. This treatment has been shown to reduce perinatal mortality and morbidity in piglets, leading to an increase in the number of piglets weaned per sow. Originally developed by VGX Animal Health (a subsidiary of Inovio Pharmaceuticals) and later commercialized by Plumbline Life Sciences, LifeTide SW 5 was the first therapeutic plasmid delivered by electroporation to be approved for use in food-producing animals, with approvals in Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea.

Brand names

LifeTide SW 5

Other names

LifeTide SW 5.0porcine growth hormone releasing hormone plasmid