Development of Anti-COVID RNAi Therapeutics Using Human iPSC-Derived Alveolar Epithelial Cells
Grant Award Details
Grant Type:
Grant Number:
DISC1COVID19-12047
Investigator(s):
Disease Focus:
Human Stem Cell Use:
Award Value:
$150,000
Status:
Closed
Progress Reports
Reporting Period:
12-month reporting
Grant Application Details
Application Title:
Development of Anti-COVID RNAi Therapeutics Using Human iPSC-Derived Alveolar Epithelial Cells
Public Abstract:
Research Objective
To optimize a new approach to deliver Anti-COVID siRNAs into human iPSC-derived lung cells that can selectively kill the COVID virus
Impact
Our proposal, if successful, will solve the siRNA delivery problem and rapidly open the door to Anti-COVID siRNA therapeutics.
Major Proposed Activities
To optimize a new approach to deliver Anti-COVID siRNAs into human iPSC-derived lung cells that can selectively kill the COVID virus
Impact
Our proposal, if successful, will solve the siRNA delivery problem and rapidly open the door to Anti-COVID siRNA therapeutics.
Major Proposed Activities
- Complete synthesis of a new delivery device called a Universal Endosomal Escape Domain (uEED)
- Generate a panel of human iPSC-derived lung cells
- Test and optimize the ability of the uEED to deliver Anti-COVID siRNAs into human iPSC-derived lung cells
- Rapidly expand the uEED technology to delivery of Anti-COVID siRNAs in a broader panel of human iPSC-derived lung cells
Statement of Benefit to California:
COVID-19 is a deadly health hazard for all Californians, Americans and the world. siRNA-induced RNAi responses are highly selective genetic medicines that have great potential to treat COVID patients and to prophylactically inoculate Californians to prevent their infection. However, due to a delivery problem, we cannot yet deliver siRNAs into lung cells of patients. Our proposal, if successful, will solve the siRNA delivery problem and rapidly open the door to Anti-COVID siRNA therapeutics.