Show Notes
In this episode, Dr. Pieter Cullis and Dr. Anna Blakney explore the rapidly advancing field of RNA-lipid nanoparticle (LNP) therapeutics and how this technology is enabling next-generation drug discovery platform with applications to precision or personalized medicines. This technology, best known for its role in COVID-19 vaccines, is now being applied to personalized cancer vaccines, rare genetic diseases, gene editing and even anti-aging research.
The conversation covers how these therapies are designed and delivered, including how patient-specific treatments can be developed and adapted on accelerated timelines, and the exciting potential for a new generation of safer, more-targeted cancer therapies. They also examine the infrastructure required to move these innovations from lab to clinic, including biomanufacturing, regulatory pathways and the role of Canada’s research ecosystem. Their take-home message: RNA-LNP-based medicine represents a fundamental shift in how we treat diseases, and the shift is already underway with B.C. and Canada well positioned to help lead what comes next.
HOST: Chantal Moore, Scientific Communications and Engagement Strategist, UBC Office of Research GUESTS: Dr. Anna Blakney, Assistant Professor, Michael Smith Laboratories and School of Biomedical Engineering at UBC Dr. Pieter Cullis, Professor, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UBC Faculty of Medicine
Produced by EdTech: Digital Solutions for Education, UBC Faculty of Medicine and Office of Research, UBC Faculty of Medicine
Story Editors and Associate Producers Neha Manjari Akella, Research Network Manager Chantal Moore, Office of Research, UBC Faculty of Medicine
Technical Production by EdTech: Digital Solutions for Education, UBC Faculty of Medicine
Sound Recordist Sam McGuinness
Sound Editors Sam McGuinness and Vanessa Reuter
Associate Director, Research Programs & Administration Shelly Au, Office of Research, UBC Faculty of Medicine
Senior Producer, Creative and Distribution Stephen Gillis, EdTech: Digital Solutions for Education, UBC Faculty of Medicine
Executive Producers Dr. Michelle Wong, Office of Research, UBC Faculty of Medicine Zachary Rothman, EdTech: Digital Solutions for Education, UBC Faculty of Medicine
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