An optimized IL-12 plasmid intended for GET mediated cancer gene therapy was constructed. The ubiquitous promoter was replaced with a promoter of the collagen gene for fibroblast-specific expression. The plasmid was prepared using an antibiotic-free technology to comply with the regulatory demands for clinical use. The constructed fibroblast-specific and antibiotic-free IL-12 plasmid supports low expression after GET. The removal of antibiotic resistance did not affect the expression profile of the plasmid and lowered its cytotoxicity.