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Application of RNA nanotechnology for delivery of mRNA therapeutics

Project description

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.

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 (EuroSciVoc)

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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CSA - Coordination and support action

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-INNOSUP-2018-2020

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Coordinator

SIXFOLD BIOSCIENCE LTD
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 89 742,50
Address
THE IMPERIAL COLLEGE WHITE CITY INC INNOVATION HUB
W12 0BZ London
United Kingdom

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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
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 89 742,50
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