Manendra's expertise lies in the bioengineering of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for the delivery of therapeutic non-coding RNAs (ncRNA) to cardiomyocytes.
Currently, the inability to achieve efficient in vivo cardiac targeting remains a critical bottleneck for the clinical application of ncRNA therapies. Manendra's research addresses this challenge by functionalising the surface of LNPs with precise targeting moieties, such as antibodies or nanobodies. Ultimately, this work seeks to establish a clinically viable platform for the effective systemic administration of ncRNA.
Manendra is driven by the transformative potential of genetic medicine to instruct the heart to repair itself following myocardial infarction. Overcoming this delivery barrier is essential to unlocking these therapies for patient use. He is particularly excited by REACT's commitment to advanced cardiac therapies. Working within Professor Mauro Giacca’s group, he values the interdisciplinary collaboration that supports translating these innovative nanomedicine approaches into viable clinical treatments.
