HYBRID SEMINAR

In-person: BSRB, ABC with zoom option: https://umich.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ZbUxbRLaTS2Bt1t-_q5pzg

Abstract: mRNA therapeutics is a disruptive therapeutic technology, as small biotech startups, as well as academic groups, can rapidly develop new and personalized mRNA constructs. In the Texas Medica Center, we have established a Center for RNA Therapeutics that comprises faculty innovators, as well as a translational assembly line to bring great RNA ideas to life. Academic groups and small companies work with us as we innovate, design, synthesize, purify, encapsulate and test mRNA therapies. In addition to providing pre-clinical GLP testing, we have established cGMP-compliant manufacturing capability and quality control methods to support pre-clinical GLP studies and phase I clinical trials; and have a first-in-man phase 1 clinical trial unit. To support phase II and phase III trials, and commercialization, we have licensed our proprietary manufacturing processes to VGXI Inc, a local company with large-batch manufacturing capabilities for DNA-based gene therapies. With this collaboration, we have built a seamless transition for academic groups and small companies to go from pre-clinical development and first-in-man clinical trials supported by our hospital-based program, to late-stage clinical trials and commercialization supported by our industry partner VGXI, Inc.