Grants and Contributions:
Title:
In situ protein manufacturing: systemic LNP-RNA to deliver therapeutic proteins to the brain.
Agreement Number:
1019162
Agreement Value:
$386,210.00
Agreement Date:
Oct 2, 2024 - Mar 31, 2026
Description:
Neurological disorders affect up to 10% of Canadians, and few treatment options exist. Current understanding of disease pathogenesis suggests that protein replacement or supplementation is an attractive therapeutic approach. However, the development of protein biologics for the brain is marred by two key problems: spatial distribution across the BBB and short protein half-lives. The project will investigate the delivery of protein biologics to the brain using an in situ ‘Bioreactor’ approach. Using lipid nanoparticles encapsulating messenger RNA (LNP-mRNA), a subset of brain cells are instructed to produce and secrete therapeutic proteins continually over the lifespan of stably-modified RNA. Using LNPs that cross the BBB, this unique bioreactor approach could deliver proteins with brain-wide diffusion. This approach only requires limited cell transfection rate, has low cell-specific tropism requirements, and can be adapted to produce proteins for different indications. It therefore represents a platform-enabling translatable strategy for novel nanomedicines for a range of neurological diseases.
Organization:
National Research Council Canada
Expected Results:
In the short term, anticipated outcomes will be strengthened collaborations across industry, academia, and government to support research excellence. In the medium term, anticipated outcomes will be the development of new and potentially disruptive technologies with collaborators. In the long term, find collaborative solutions to public policy challenges and create stronger innovation systems.
Location:
Vancouver, British Columbia, CA V6T 1Z3
Reference Number:
172-2024-2025-Q3-1019162
Agreement Type:
Grant
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Recipient Business Number:
108161779
Recipient Type:
Academia
Recipient's Legal Name:
The University of British Columbia
Federal Riding Name:
Vancouver Quadra
Federal Riding Number:
59040
Program:
Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program - Collaborative R&D Initiatives
Program Purpose:
Collaborate on multiparty research and development programs to catalyze transformative, high-risk, high-reward research with the potential for game-changing scientific discoveries and technological breakthroughs in priority areas.
NAICS Code:
541710