Development of Anti-COVID RNAi Therapeutics Using Human iPSC-Derived Alveolar Epithelial Cells

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Grant Award Details

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

  • 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.