Public Funding for Tecrea Limited

Viral vectors are central to the gene therapy revolution of medicine and have demonstrated transformative patient benefits. The manufacturing of viruses is inherently complex, where a key challenge is the introduction of virus encoding DNA into producer cells grown in culture. This area of high-value manufacturing is exciting, strategically important, and currently transforming as manufacturers develop innovative processes. This project joins a rapidly growing UK SME with a world-leading bioprocess development centre. This partnership complements strengths and a joint motivation to develop an improved solution for adeno- associated virus (AAV) production, which can be considered to be a "work horse" within the gene therapy area. The aim is to develop flexible processes that are more efficient, less expensive, resilient to supply challenges, and compatible with customers' existing facilities and long-term manufacturing plans. We will reach our goals by combining and building on previous work in the area-field. The project will use the industry-leading PEI product (Polyplus;EU/US), as a benchmark, where we aim to exploit the advantageous properties of Nanocin and develop production processes in a scalable format that is compatible with clinical applications. The low toxicity properties of Nanocin enable repeat transfection (DNA delivery), and such advances, integrated into commercial bioreactors can provide step changes in manufacturing efficiencies and cost reductions. Benefits will flow to Tecrea and the UK high-value advanced medicines manufacturing industry, both regionally (in terms of potential clustering) and nationally. NRC will benefit by advancing its bioprocessing capacities and most importantly improve the quality and cost of gene therapies to the extent that they can have a substantial public health benefit within Canada.

The standard method for detecting SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for causing COVID-19, is called "RT-PCR" (reverse transcription, polymerase chain reaction). RT-PCR works by directly detecting the virus genetic material in patient samples and as such it requires the virus genetic material (its genome) to be intact in these samples in order to work. Because of this samples for screening need to be handled as if they are infectious and this requires the use of specialist facilities for handling. Ideally, clinical samples would be collected into a transport medium that would inactivate the virus whilst ensuring that its genetic material remains intact for RT-PCR. This would allow handling of samples without the need for the specialist facilities required to protect operators from potential infection. Some such media exist but are usually based on very caustic chemicals meaning that they cannot necessarily be used in some settings. In this project we aim to develop a new safe transport medium for the collection of patient samples for RT-PCR. This transport medium is based on a chemical that has a long history of safe human use and doesn't have the issues associated with caustic chemicals. Additionally, by modifying this chemical we aim to enhance the properties of the transport medium such that it will aid in the detection of virus by RT-PCR. Finally, the agents developed from this project can also be used as the basis for the development of new disinfectant products for clinical, industrial and personal use.

"NanOptima has a mission to improve efficacy and safety of ophthalmic medications by improving delivery of APIs. As populations grow older, more and more people need treatment for sight-threatening eye conditions. ""The lifetime risk, of sight loss or blindness requiring intervention or treatment, is estimated to be: nearly **1 in 5 people for permanent sight loss or blindness**; and over 1 in 3 people for any sight loss or blindness. More than two million people in the UK live with sight loss that is severe enough to have a significant impact on their daily lives. £28.1 billion was the cost to the UK of sight loss in the adult population in 2013\. This includes a direct healthcare cost estimated to be £3 billion each year"" (RNIB, 2017). Current treatment methods either carry significant risk, or do not work effectively. Eye drops are the most common way of delivering medications for glaucoma and inflammation, but lose effectiveness because \>90% of the drops are washed away upon blinking, and there is a 30% non-compliance rate, which can lead to blindness. NanOptima is developing advanced soft, transparent gels to retain medicines on the eye surface for longer, and nanoparticles to increase penetration of medications into the eye. Conditions near the back of the eye, especially macular degeneration and the complications of diabetes (two of the leading causes of blindness, impacting 570,000 people in the UK), must be treated with injections, which are expensive, risky, and very unpleasant for patients. NanOptima will use our novel gel technology to create depots that can be injected via a very fine needle, and deliver treatments for months at a time, so that current injection regimes can be made less frequent and invasive. We will also explore whether nanotechnology eye drops can extend the intervals between injections. NanOptima, PeptigelDesign Technologies, and Tecrea, are three small UK research companies joining their complementary forces to improve the experiences of patients with eye problems, and to build the UK science base in pharmaceuticals for treating eye diseases. Our work will be in close collaboration with leading academic and clinical ophthalmic experts at Ulster University, with senior industry advisors."

This project aims to develop a method to track and measure a polymer in skin, blood and milk. The polymer (Nanocin™) is being used by Tecrea Ltd and partners to improve drug delivery for human and animal health applications. As with any drug development program, it is important to be able to accurately measure the ingredients. The experts at NPL will work with Tecrea scientists to apply high resolution stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy to solve the analysis challenge. The custom-built SRS microscope will be used to measure levels in blood and visualise the distribution in skin with sub-micrometre resolution. If successful, the new method will enable Tecrea to understand the mechanisms involved in the polymer-based nanoparticle drug formulations. Also, the data will help the SME, partners and regulatory agencies to assess the safety situation prior to initiation of field and clinical trials.

The project aims to develop a scalable bio-process for recombinant virus production. Adeno Associated Virus (AAV) is a safe and effective gene therapy vector and growing demand for therapy development cannot be met by current methods. Conventional technologies used for safe AAV production are inefficient and often highly toxic to the process. These problems limit scale-up opportunities. To develop an efficient and scalable bioprocess we will: FIRST, optimise viral production using a novel cell delivery reagent, and SECOND develop a novel method for AAV production using a so call “hollow fibre” bioreactors. The new system aims to achieve bulk GMP production of AAV at low cost.

Tecrea and Leeds University BioScreening Technology group will collaborate to establish the feasibility of using peptide aptamers based on the Leeds's Andiron platform to modulate intracellular oncology targets. In particular KRas and Bcl-xL. The key innovations are the use of Tecrea's safe nanoparticle based delivery system combined with a stable peptide aptamer platform to provide a new modality for target modulation and future therapy.

This project combines three partners (2 industrial, 1 academic) with complementary expertise to develop a product for cancer treatment. The research will focus on the development of an injectable formulation based on nanoparticles with the ability to deliver a payload to cancer cells. This ability is based on the presence of chemical groups, which can selectively bind receptors on cell surfaces; specifically, we target a receptor (CD44) that is overexpressed in a number of tumours. The nanoparticles will also be able to release intracellularly an RNA construct capable of cancelling (silencing) the production of an oncogene (a gene with the potential to cause cancer when activated), KRAS, which is often a signature of colorectal, lung and breast cancers. Our consortium will focus on the rational selection of the best candidates using small libraries of nanoparticles; their performance first in vitro and then in vivo will be assessed, and the tumour-suppressing activity of optimized nanoparticles will be finally evaluated in animal models with a view to accelerate regulatory toxicolgy studies and human clinical trials.

This project combines three partners (2 industrial, 1 academic) with complementary expertise to develop a product for cancer treatment. The research will focus on the development of an injectable formulation based on nanoparticles with the ability to deliver a payload to cancer cells. This ability is based on the presence of chemical groups, which can selectively bind receptors on cell surfaces; specifically, we target a receptor (CD44) that is overexpressed in a number of tumours. The nanoparticles will also be able to release intracellularly an RNA construct capable of cancelling (silencing) the production of an oncogene (a gene with the potential to cause cancer when activated), KRAS, which is often a signature of colorectal, lung and breast cancers. Our consortium will focus on the rational selection of the best candidates using small libraries of nanoparticles; their performance first in vitro and then in vivo will be assessed, and the tumour-suppressing activity of optimized nanoparticles will be finally evaluated in animal models with a view to accelerate regulatory toxicolgy studies and human clinical trials.

This project combines three partners (2 industrial, 1 academic) with complementary expertise to develop a product for cancer treatment. The research will focus on the development of an injectable formulation based on nanoparticles with the ability to deliver a payload to cancer cells. This ability is based on the presence of chemical groups, which can selectively bind receptors on cell surfaces; specifically, we target a receptor (CD44) that is overexpressed in a number of tumours. The nanoparticles will also be able to release intracellularly an RNA construct capable of cancelling (silencing) the production of an oncogene (a gene with the potential to cause cancer when activated), KRAS, which is often a signature of colorectal, lung and breast cancers. Our consortium will focus on the rational selection of the best candidates using small libraries of nanoparticles; their performance first in vitro and then in vivo will be assessed, and the tumour-suppressing activity of optimized nanoparticles will be finally evaluated in animal models with a view to accelerate regulatory toxicolgy studies and human clinical trials.

This project combines three partners (2 industrial, 1 academic) with complementary expertise to develop a product for cancer treatment. The research will focus on the development of an injectable formulation based on nanoparticles with the ability to deliver a payload to cancer cells. This ability is based on the presence of chemical groups, which can selectively bind receptors on cell surfaces; specifically, we target a receptor (CD44) that is overexpressed in a number of tumours. The nanoparticles will also be able to release intracellularly an RNA construct capable of cancelling (silencing) the production of an oncogene (a gene with the potential to cause cancer when activated), KRAS, which is often a signature of colorectal, lung and breast cancers. Our consortium will focus on the rational selection of the best candidates using small libraries of nanoparticles; their performance first in vitro and then in vivo will be assessed, and the tumour-suppressing activity of optimized nanoparticles will be finally evaluated in animal models with a view to accelerate regulatory toxicolgy studies and human clinical trials.

This project combines three partners (2 industrial, 1 academic) with complementary expertise to develop a product for cancer treatment. The research will focus on the development of an injectable formulation based on nanoparticles with the ability to deliver a payload to cancer cells. This ability is based on the presence of chemical groups, which can selectively bind receptors on cell surfaces; specifically, we target a receptor (CD44) that is overexpressed in a number of tumours. The nanoparticles will also be able to release intracellularly an RNA construct capable of cancelling (silencing) the production of an oncogene (a gene with the potential to cause cancer when activated), KRAS, which is often a signature of colorectal, lung and breast cancers. Our consortium will focus on the rational selection of the best candidates using small libraries of nanoparticles; their performance first in vitro and then in vivo will be assessed, and the tumour-suppressing activity of optimized nanoparticles will be finally evaluated in animal models with a view to accelerate regulatory toxicolgy studies and human clinical trials.

This project combines three partners (2 industrial, 1 academic) with complementary expertise to develop a product for cancer treatment. The research will focus on the development of an injectable formulation based on nanoparticles with the ability to deliver a payload to cancer cells. This ability is based on the presence of chemical groups, which can selectively bind receptors on cell surfaces; specifically, we target a receptor (CD44) that is overexpressed in a number of tumours. The nanoparticles will also be able to release intracellularly an RNA construct capable of cancelling (silencing) the production of an oncogene (a gene with the potential to cause cancer when activated), KRAS, which is often a signature of colorectal, lung and breast cancers. Our consortium will focus on the rational selection of the best candidates using small libraries of nanoparticles; their performance first in vitro and then in vivo will be assessed, and the tumour-suppressing activity of optimized nanoparticles will be finally evaluated in animal models with a view to accelerate regulatory toxicolgy studies and human clinical trials.

This project combines three partners (2 industrial, 1 academic) with complementary expertise to develop a product for cancer treatment. The research will focus on the development of an injectable formulation based on nanoparticles with the ability to deliver a payload to cancer cells. This ability is based on the presence of chemical groups, which can selectively bind receptors on cell surfaces; specifically, we target a receptor (CD44) that is overexpressed in a number of tumours. The nanoparticles will also be able to release intracellularly an RNA construct capable of cancelling (silencing) the production of an oncogene (a gene with the potential to cause cancer when activated), KRAS, which is often a signature of colorectal, lung and breast cancers. Our consortium will focus on the rational selection of the best candidates using small libraries of nanoparticles; their performance first in vitro and then in vivo will be assessed, and the tumour-suppressing activity of optimized nanoparticles will be finally evaluated in animal models with a view to accelerate regulatory toxicolgy studies and human clinical trials.

This project combines three partners (2 industrial, 1 academic) with complementary expertise to develop a product for cancer treatment. The research will focus on the development of an injectable formulation based on nanoparticles with the ability to deliver a payload to cancer cells. This ability is based on the presence of chemical groups, which can selectively bind receptors on cell surfaces; specifically, we target a receptor (CD44) that is overexpressed in a number of tumours. The nanoparticles will also be able to release intracellularly an RNA construct capable of cancelling (silencing) the production of an oncogene (a gene with the potential to cause cancer when activated), KRAS, which is often a signature of colorectal, lung and breast cancers. Our consortium will focus on the rational selection of the best candidates using small libraries of nanoparticles; their performance first in vitro and then in vivo will be assessed, and the tumour-suppressing activity of optimized nanoparticles will be finally evaluated in animal models with a view to accelerate regulatory toxicolgy studies and human clinical trials.

This project combines three partners (2 industrial, 1 academic) with complementary expertise to develop a product for cancer treatment. The research will focus on the development of an injectable formulation based on nanoparticles with the ability to deliver a payload to cancer cells. This ability is based on the presence of chemical groups, which can selectively bind receptors on cell surfaces; specifically, we target a receptor (CD44) that is overexpressed in a number of tumours. The nanoparticles will also be able to release intracellularly an RNA construct capable of cancelling (silencing) the production of an oncogene (a gene with the potential to cause cancer when activated), KRAS, which is often a signature of colorectal, lung and breast cancers. Our consortium will focus on the rational selection of the best candidates using small libraries of nanoparticles; their performance first in vitro and then in vivo will be assessed, and the tumour-suppressing activity of optimized nanoparticles will be finally evaluated in animal models with a view to accelerate regulatory toxicolgy studies and human clinical trials.

This project combines three partners (2 industrial, 1 academic) with complementary expertise to develop a product for cancer treatment. The research will focus on the development of an injectable formulation based on nanoparticles with the ability to deliver a payload to cancer cells. This ability is based on the presence of chemical groups, which can selectively bind receptors on cell surfaces; specifically, we target a receptor (CD44) that is overexpressed in a number of tumours. The nanoparticles will also be able to release intracellularly an RNA construct capable of cancelling (silencing) the production of an oncogene (a gene with the potential to cause cancer when activated), KRAS, which is often a signature of colorectal, lung and breast cancers. Our consortium will focus on the rational selection of the best candidates using small libraries of nanoparticles; their performance first in vitro and then in vivo will be assessed, and the tumour-suppressing activity of optimized nanoparticles will be finally evaluated in animal models with a view to accelerate regulatory toxicolgy studies and human clinical trials.

This project combines three partners (2 industrial, 1 academic) with complementary expertise to develop a product for cancer treatment. The research will focus on the development of an injectable formulation based on nanoparticles with the ability to deliver a payload to cancer cells. This ability is based on the presence of chemical groups, which can selectively bind receptors on cell surfaces; specifically, we target a receptor (CD44) that is overexpressed in a number of tumours. The nanoparticles will also be able to release intracellularly an RNA construct capable of cancelling (silencing) the production of an oncogene (a gene with the potential to cause cancer when activated), KRAS, which is often a signature of colorectal, lung and breast cancers. Our consortium will focus on the rational selection of the best candidates using small libraries of nanoparticles; their performance first in vitro and then in vivo will be assessed, and the tumour-suppressing activity of optimized nanoparticles will be finally evaluated in animal models with a view to accelerate regulatory toxicolgy studies and human clinical trials.

This project combines three partners (2 industrial, 1 academic) with complementary expertise to develop a product for cancer treatment. The research will focus on the development of an injectable formulation based on nanoparticles with the ability to deliver a payload to cancer cells. This ability is based on the presence of chemical groups, which can selectively bind receptors on cell surfaces; specifically, we target a receptor (CD44) that is overexpressed in a number of tumours. The nanoparticles will also be able to release intracellularly an RNA construct capable of cancelling (silencing) the production of an oncogene (a gene with the potential to cause cancer when activated), KRAS, which is often a signature of colorectal, lung and breast cancers. Our consortium will focus on the rational selection of the best candidates using small libraries of nanoparticles; their performance first in vitro and then in vivo will be assessed, and the tumour-suppressing activity of optimized nanoparticles will be finally evaluated in animal models with a view to accelerate regulatory toxicolgy studies and human clinical trials.

This project combines three partners (2 industrial, 1 academic) with complementary expertise to develop a product for cancer treatment. The research will focus on the development of an injectable formulation based on nanoparticles with the ability to deliver a payload to cancer cells. This ability is based on the presence of chemical groups, which can selectively bind receptors on cell surfaces; specifically, we target a receptor (CD44) that is overexpressed in a number of tumours. The nanoparticles will also be able to release intracellularly an RNA construct capable of cancelling (silencing) the production of an oncogene (a gene with the potential to cause cancer when activated), KRAS, which is often a signature of colorectal, lung and breast cancers. Our consortium will focus on the rational selection of the best candidates using small libraries of nanoparticles; their performance first in vitro and then in vivo will be assessed, and the tumour-suppressing activity of optimized nanoparticles will be finally evaluated in animal models with a view to accelerate regulatory toxicolgy studies and human clinical trials.

This project combines three partners (2 industrial, 1 academic) with complementary expertise to develop a product for cancer treatment. The research will focus on the development of an injectable formulation based on nanoparticles with the ability to deliver a payload to cancer cells. This ability is based on the presence of chemical groups, which can selectively bind receptors on cell surfaces; specifically, we target a receptor (CD44) that is overexpressed in a number of tumours. The nanoparticles will also be able to release intracellularly an RNA construct capable of cancelling (silencing) the production of an oncogene (a gene with the potential to cause cancer when activated), KRAS, which is often a signature of colorectal, lung and breast cancers. Our consortium will focus on the rational selection of the best candidates using small libraries of nanoparticles; their performance first in vitro and then in vivo will be assessed, and the tumour-suppressing activity of optimized nanoparticles will be finally evaluated in animal models with a view to accelerate regulatory toxicolgy studies and human clinical trials.

This project combines three partners (2 industrial, 1 academic) with complementary expertise to develop a product for cancer treatment. The research will focus on the development of an injectable formulation based on nanoparticles with the ability to deliver a payload to cancer cells. This ability is based on the presence of chemical groups, which can selectively bind receptors on cell surfaces; specifically, we target a receptor (CD44) that is overexpressed in a number of tumours. The nanoparticles will also be able to release intracellularly an RNA construct capable of cancelling (silencing) the production of an oncogene (a gene with the potential to cause cancer when activated), KRAS, which is often a signature of colorectal, lung and breast cancers. Our consortium will focus on the rational selection of the best candidates using small libraries of nanoparticles; their performance first in vitro and then in vivo will be assessed, and the tumour-suppressing activity of optimized nanoparticles will be finally evaluated in animal models with a view to accelerate regulatory toxicolgy studies and human clinical trials.

This project combines three partners (2 industrial, 1 academic) with complementary expertise to develop a product for cancer treatment. The research will focus on the development of an injectable formulation based on nanoparticles with the ability to deliver a payload to cancer cells. This ability is based on the presence of chemical groups, which can selectively bind receptors on cell surfaces; specifically, we target a receptor (CD44) that is overexpressed in a number of tumours. The nanoparticles will also be able to release intracellularly an RNA construct capable of cancelling (silencing) the production of an oncogene (a gene with the potential to cause cancer when activated), KRAS, which is often a signature of colorectal, lung and breast cancers. Our consortium will focus on the rational selection of the best candidates using small libraries of nanoparticles; their performance first in vitro and then in vivo will be assessed, and the tumour-suppressing activity of optimized nanoparticles will be finally evaluated in animal models with a view to accelerate regulatory toxicolgy studies and human clinical trials.

This project combines three partners (2 industrial, 1 academic) with complementary expertise to develop a product for cancer treatment. The research will focus on the development of an injectable formulation based on nanoparticles with the ability to deliver a payload to cancer cells. This ability is based on the presence of chemical groups, which can selectively bind receptors on cell surfaces; specifically, we target a receptor (CD44) that is overexpressed in a number of tumours. The nanoparticles will also be able to release intracellularly an RNA construct capable of cancelling (silencing) the production of an oncogene (a gene with the potential to cause cancer when activated), KRAS, which is often a signature of colorectal, lung and breast cancers. Our consortium will focus on the rational selection of the best candidates using small libraries of nanoparticles; their performance first in vitro and then in vivo will be assessed, and the tumour-suppressing activity of optimized nanoparticles will be finally evaluated in animal models with a view to accelerate regulatory toxicolgy studies and human clinical trials.

This project combines three partners (2 industrial, 1 academic) with complementary expertise to develop a product for cancer treatment. The research will focus on the development of an injectable formulation based on nanoparticles with the ability to deliver a payload to cancer cells. This ability is based on the presence of chemical groups, which can selectively bind receptors on cell surfaces; specifically, we target a receptor (CD44) that is overexpressed in a number of tumours. The nanoparticles will also be able to release intracellularly an RNA construct capable of cancelling (silencing) the production of an oncogene (a gene with the potential to cause cancer when activated), KRAS, which is often a signature of colorectal, lung and breast cancers. Our consortium will focus on the rational selection of the best candidates using small libraries of nanoparticles; their performance first in vitro and then in vivo will be assessed, and the tumour-suppressing activity of optimized nanoparticles will be finally evaluated in animal models with a view to accelerate regulatory toxicolgy studies and human clinical trials.

This project combines three partners (2 industrial, 1 academic) with complementary expertise to develop a product for cancer treatment. The research will focus on the development of an injectable formulation based on nanoparticles with the ability to deliver a payload to cancer cells. This ability is based on the presence of chemical groups, which can selectively bind receptors on cell surfaces; specifically, we target a receptor (CD44) that is overexpressed in a number of tumours. The nanoparticles will also be able to release intracellularly an RNA construct capable of cancelling (silencing) the production of an oncogene (a gene with the potential to cause cancer when activated), KRAS, which is often a signature of colorectal, lung and breast cancers. Our consortium will focus on the rational selection of the best candidates using small libraries of nanoparticles; their performance first in vitro and then in vivo will be assessed, and the tumour-suppressing activity of optimized nanoparticles will be finally evaluated in animal models with a view to accelerate regulatory toxicolgy studies and human clinical trials.

This project combines three partners (2 industrial, 1 academic) with complementary expertise to develop a product for cancer treatment. The research will focus on the development of an injectable formulation based on nanoparticles with the ability to deliver a payload to cancer cells. This ability is based on the presence of chemical groups, which can selectively bind receptors on cell surfaces; specifically, we target a receptor (CD44) that is overexpressed in a number of tumours. The nanoparticles will also be able to release intracellularly an RNA construct capable of cancelling (silencing) the production of an oncogene (a gene with the potential to cause cancer when activated), KRAS, which is often a signature of colorectal, lung and breast cancers. Our consortium will focus on the rational selection of the best candidates using small libraries of nanoparticles; their performance first in vitro and then in vivo will be assessed, and the tumour-suppressing activity of optimized nanoparticles will be finally evaluated in animal models with a view to accelerate regulatory toxicolgy studies and human clinical trials.

This project combines three partners (2 industrial, 1 academic) with complementary expertise to develop a product for cancer treatment. The research will focus on the development of an injectable formulation based on nanoparticles with the ability to deliver a payload to cancer cells. This ability is based on the presence of chemical groups, which can selectively bind receptors on cell surfaces; specifically, we target a receptor (CD44) that is overexpressed in a number of tumours. The nanoparticles will also be able to release intracellularly an RNA construct capable of cancelling (silencing) the production of an oncogene (a gene with the potential to cause cancer when activated), KRAS, which is often a signature of colorectal, lung and breast cancers. Our consortium will focus on the rational selection of the best candidates using small libraries of nanoparticles; their performance first in vitro and then in vivo will be assessed, and the tumour-suppressing activity of optimized nanoparticles will be finally evaluated in animal models with a view to accelerate regulatory toxicolgy studies and human clinical trials.

This project combines three partners (2 industrial, 1 academic) with complementary expertise to develop a product for cancer treatment. The research will focus on the development of an injectable formulation based on nanoparticles with the ability to deliver a payload to cancer cells. This ability is based on the presence of chemical groups, which can selectively bind receptors on cell surfaces; specifically, we target a receptor (CD44) that is overexpressed in a number of tumours. The nanoparticles will also be able to release intracellularly an RNA construct capable of cancelling (silencing) the production of an oncogene (a gene with the potential to cause cancer when activated), KRAS, which is often a signature of colorectal, lung and breast cancers. Our consortium will focus on the rational selection of the best candidates using small libraries of nanoparticles; their performance first in vitro and then in vivo will be assessed, and the tumour-suppressing activity of optimized nanoparticles will be finally evaluated in animal models with a view to accelerate regulatory toxicolgy studies and human clinical trials.

This project combines three partners (2 industrial, 1 academic) with complementary expertise to develop a product for cancer treatment. The research will focus on the development of an injectable formulation based on nanoparticles with the ability to deliver a payload to cancer cells. This ability is based on the presence of chemical groups, which can selectively bind receptors on cell surfaces; specifically, we target a receptor (CD44) that is overexpressed in a number of tumours. The nanoparticles will also be able to release intracellularly an RNA construct capable of cancelling (silencing) the production of an oncogene (a gene with the potential to cause cancer when activated), KRAS, which is often a signature of colorectal, lung and breast cancers. Our consortium will focus on the rational selection of the best candidates using small libraries of nanoparticles; their performance first in vitro and then in vivo will be assessed, and the tumour-suppressing activity of optimized nanoparticles will be finally evaluated in animal models with a view to accelerate regulatory toxicolgy studies and human clinical trials.

This project combines three partners (2 industrial, 1 academic) with complementary expertise to develop a product for cancer treatment. The research will focus on the development of an injectable formulation based on nanoparticles with the ability to deliver a payload to cancer cells. This ability is based on the presence of chemical groups, which can selectively bind receptors on cell surfaces; specifically, we target a receptor (CD44) that is overexpressed in a number of tumours. The nanoparticles will also be able to release intracellularly an RNA construct capable of cancelling (silencing) the production of an oncogene (a gene with the potential to cause cancer when activated), KRAS, which is often a signature of colorectal, lung and breast cancers. Our consortium will focus on the rational selection of the best candidates using small libraries of nanoparticles; their performance first in vitro and then in vivo will be assessed, and the tumour-suppressing activity of optimized nanoparticles will be finally evaluated in animal models with a view to accelerate regulatory toxicolgy studies and human clinical trials.

This project combines three partners (2 industrial, 1 academic) with complementary expertise to develop a product for cancer treatment. The research will focus on the development of an injectable formulation based on nanoparticles with the ability to deliver a payload to cancer cells. This ability is based on the presence of chemical groups, which can selectively bind receptors on cell surfaces; specifically, we target a receptor (CD44) that is overexpressed in a number of tumours. The nanoparticles will also be able to release intracellularly an RNA construct capable of cancelling (silencing) the production of an oncogene (a gene with the potential to cause cancer when activated), KRAS, which is often a signature of colorectal, lung and breast cancers. Our consortium will focus on the rational selection of the best candidates using small libraries of nanoparticles; their performance first in vitro and then in vivo will be assessed, and the tumour-suppressing activity of optimized nanoparticles will be finally evaluated in animal models with a view to accelerate regulatory toxicolgy studies and human clinical trials.

This project combines three partners (2 industrial, 1 academic) with complementary expertise to develop a product for cancer treatment. The research will focus on the development of an injectable formulation based on nanoparticles with the ability to deliver a payload to cancer cells. This ability is based on the presence of chemical groups, which can selectively bind receptors on cell surfaces; specifically, we target a receptor (CD44) that is overexpressed in a number of tumours. The nanoparticles will also be able to release intracellularly an RNA construct capable of cancelling (silencing) the production of an oncogene (a gene with the potential to cause cancer when activated), KRAS, which is often a signature of colorectal, lung and breast cancers. Our consortium will focus on the rational selection of the best candidates using small libraries of nanoparticles; their performance first in vitro and then in vivo will be assessed, and the tumour-suppressing activity of optimized nanoparticles will be finally evaluated in animal models with a view to accelerate regulatory toxicolgy studies and human clinical trials.

This project combines three partners (2 industrial, 1 academic) with complementary expertise to develop a product for cancer treatment. The research will focus on the development of an injectable formulation based on nanoparticles with the ability to deliver a payload to cancer cells. This ability is based on the presence of chemical groups, which can selectively bind receptors on cell surfaces; specifically, we target a receptor (CD44) that is overexpressed in a number of tumours. The nanoparticles will also be able to release intracellularly an RNA construct capable of cancelling (silencing) the production of an oncogene (a gene with the potential to cause cancer when activated), KRAS, which is often a signature of colorectal, lung and breast cancers. Our consortium will focus on the rational selection of the best candidates using small libraries of nanoparticles; their performance first in vitro and then in vivo will be assessed, and the tumour-suppressing activity of optimized nanoparticles will be finally evaluated in animal models with a view to accelerate regulatory toxicolgy studies and human clinical trials.

The project aims to improve the stability and cell entry properties of messenger RNAs, which encode functional proteins. mRNAs are natural biomolecules that may become extremely valuable in healthcare if cell delivery properties can be improved. Delivery is a challenge because these biomolecules are generally too large to enter cells easily where many of the best targets for disease control reside. The approach involves biophysics and cell/molecular biology analyses. The outcome will be a formulation protocol that improves the intracellular activities of mRNAs for downstream applications as RNA vaccines and mRNA drugs. By combining mRNA with improved delivery, the project will enable protein expression inside cells using the minimal genetic element.

The project is a collaboration between Phytoceutical and Tecrea, a bioscience technology company, to test the feasibility of novel formulation and delivery methods of actives to the skin. Phytoceutical has expertise in the areas of natural products used as ingredients in skin treatments and Tecrea Ltd has expertise that may help to stabilise such products and enable improved skin delivery. By combining these two areas expertise the project aims to develop new formulation methods that can be used in the future to manufacture improved skin treatment products.

Tecrea Ltd (www.tecrea.co.uk) has developed novel nanotechnolgy with exciting opportunities within infectious diseases and holds great promise in the treatment of animal infections in production systems. Progress in animal welfare and ensuring food security requires improved strategies for infection control. Within this project, Tecrea Ltd will seek legal advice on intellectual property strategies and also advice on application areas from experts in biomedicine IP and Veterinary medicine.

Nucleic acids, peptides and proteins are biomolecules that offer powerful tools for research and drug development. Already they are widely used in labs and in some clinical applications. However, many applications and wider use in clinics is held-back by poor cellular uptake and toxic effects associated with existing delivery methods. Cell delivery of nucleic acids is a substantial problem because even the smallest functional biomolecules are much larger than most reagents and drugs that work inside cells. The process of assisted cell delivery of nucleic acids is called transfection and this project tests the feasibility of using a novel platform to provide efficient, nontoxic, and economically viable transfection. We will pursue three objectives that will optimise the new transfection method and then compare the optimised method with market leading products, with a view to advancing our technology as a reagent and drug component. (see www.tecrea.co.uk)