Professor Brian Bigger

Brian is an expert in translational gene therapy, having developed several lentiviral-based ex vivo haematopoietic stem cell gene therapies for childhood dementias and taken these through to Phase I/II clinical trial. He has also developed and worked extensively with multiple different Adeno-Associated Viral (AAV) vectors. 

A key aspect of Brian's research focuses on how we can improve existing gene therapy vector systems, including through the use of specific promoters and peptide tagging to drive expression towards specific organ systems. Brian is passionate about accelerating translation of gene therapies to clinical trial and eventual widespread use, and is excited to contribute the expertise he has developed through rare disease research to the REACT mission.

As part of REACT, Brian is collaborating closely with Susan Rosser and Andy Baker to develop a novel AAV viral vector using a drug-controllable promoter for controlled delivery of therapeutic genes to the cardiac system. This will be a key factor in developing gene therapies which can safely and effectively target the cardiovascular system.