Project description DEENESFRITPL Safe and effective RNA-based therapy may soon be homing in on cancer cells Genetic information 'flows' from DNA through RNA to proteins. As the intermediary between the genetic code and the product, RNA and associated targets have tremendous therapeutic potential to control gene expression. The types of RNA and their roles continue to expand, and RNA-based therapies are growing. Small interfering RNA, or siRNA, are small pieces of double-stranded RNA that can interfere with protein translation by binding to mRNA and causing its degradation. Sixfold Bioscience has patented nanotechnology that can deliver siRNA to specific cells in the body with demonstrated biocompatibility and specificity. With EU support, the NanoDeli project enables Sixfold’s researchers to extend the application of the company’s proprietary delivery systems to diseases that were previously thought to be untreatable. Show the project objective Hide the project objective Objective Sixfold Bioscience is a biotechnology company that conducts preclinical research and development on its patented Programmable Oligonucleotide Delivery System (PODS). Proof-of-concept in vitro and in vivo data has been demonstrated for the delivery of siRNA-PODS to specific cancer cells by ligand-based targeting. Sixfold is now looking to expand the utility of the PODS to include mRNA delivery (mRNA-PODS). The field of mRNA therapeutics is hugely promising area of Cell and Gene therapy, where it has the potential to cure, treat or reprogram any cell in the body. However, there are no effective methods available to deliver these drugs efficiently and safely in the body. Current options in preclinical development have issues with severe toxicity and a lack of specificity. Sixfold’s biocompatible PODS have the potential to be a best-in-class solution for mRNA delivery, however in order to exploit this opportunity the SME is required to overcome an extremely competitive field and the chronic national labour shortages in RNA nanotechnology. Sixfold is applying for an European SME innovation Associate to overcome the challenges faced in hiring. The innovation associate will be given a unique opportunity to work on groundbreaking science with leaders in the field and develop their skills in entrepreneurship/innovation and RNA nanotechnology through tailored training. The associate will bring their experience in computational RNA biology, mRNA Biochemistry or RNA Nanotechnology (minimum PhD) to develop and implement computational and chemical techniques to adapt Sixfold’s proprietary technology for delivery of therapeutic mRNA. Fields of science medical and health sciencesmedical biotechnologygenetic engineeringgene therapysocial scienceseconomics and businessbusiness and managemententrepreneurshipengineering and technologynanotechnologymedical and health sciencesclinical medicineoncologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsRNA Programme(s) H2020-EU.2.3. - INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Innovation In SMEs Main Programme H2020-EU.2.3.2.2. - Enhancing the innovation capacity of SMEs Topic(s) INNOSUP-02-2019-2020 - European SME innovation Associate - pilot Call for proposal H2020-INNOSUP-2018-2020 See other projects for this call Sub call H2020-INNOSUP-2019-02 Funding Scheme CSA - Coordination and support action Coordinator SIXFOLD BIOSCIENCE LTD Net EU contribution € 89 742,50 Address THE IMPERIAL COLLEGE WHITE CITY INC INNOVATION HUB W12 0BZ London United Kingdom See on map SME The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed. Yes Region London Inner London — West Kensington & Chelsea and Hammersmith & Fulham Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 89 742,50
