We are developing cardiac-specific targeting mechanisms to administer therapeutic nucleic acids to the heart using innovative nanoformulations and viral vectors.
We aim to achieve cardiac-specific targeting of vectors and nanoparticle-delivered nucleic acid medicines to minimise adverse effects and allow for effective, inducible and/or regulated expression of single or multiple target therapeutic nucleic acids.
Our research will include the development of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors. We will use both standard capsids, some of which are already in clinical trial, for proof-of-concept experiments while developing novel capsids in concert with industry partners and utilising established capsid library technologies.
REACT will also develop tunable promoter systems for expression that can be regulated pharmacologically by small molecules; turning genes 'on' and 'off' during an optimal therapeutic window. This work will be a collaborative effort with industry partners and academic leaders in the field of controllable gene expression.
We will additionally focus on non-viral RNA delivery, leveraging expertise for the generation of new lipid nanoparticle (LNP) or other nanoparticle formulations with the ability to target specific cell types in the heart, including cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts and endothelial cells. REACT is also well placed to take advantage of access to large ionisable lipid libraries through trusted collaborators.
Collaborate with us
If you have relevant expertise, intellectual property or facilities that could help us tackle this challenge, we want to hear from you.
Contact us by email and our operations team will direct you to members working in this area.