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Genisphere Expands Partnership with LIMR to Collaborate on Nanotherapeutics

3 Dec 2012

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Genisphere and the nonprofit Lankenau Institute for Medical Research (LIMR), which are already making progress together on identifying Inflammatory Bowel Disease biomarkers, have partnered to develop nanotherapeutics targeting cancers and eye diseases.

"LIMR is fortunate to partner with Genisphere for the development of its cancer nanotherapies,” said George Prendergast, PhD, president and CEO of LIMR. “Given the wonderful intersection of these two organizations, we will have the right tools and skill sets to strengthen the path forward for clinical testing and ultimately commercialization."

Genisphere’s 3DNA dendrimer allows researchers to deliver any therapeutic agent (siRNA, antibodies, small drugs) to any target cell. Easily manufactured from natural strands of DNA hybridized together, the dendrimers are flexible, multivalent scaffolds with high biocompatibility and low toxicity.

“LIMR, with its team of talented scientists, is an ideal partner for us to study how certain therapeutics work with our DNA dendrimer nanoparticles,” said Bob Getts, chief science officer of Genisphere.

One LIMR researcher, Dr. Janet Sawicki, is targeting various cancers with gene therapy. With the help of Genisphere’s dendrimer technology, she is using targeted drug delivery to treat ovarian, cervical, prostate and pancreatic cancer.

In another project, Dr. Mindy George-Weinstein of LIMR is looking at a therapy that uses small molecule drugs to target cells that cause post-cataract surgery eye lesions.

This partnership builds on the existing collaboration between the two institutions forged earlier this year, enabling more rapid development of new targeted therapeutics to improve human health.

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Genome AnalysisGenomics, the study of genomes, includes functional genomics, evolutionary genomics and comparative genomics. There are many genomic technologies such as DNA sequencing of whole genomes, computational biology and bioinformatics. DNA and nucleic acids must be isolated and concentrated from cells for analysis with kits, automated analyzers and software. Other useful technologies for studying genomics include PCR, microarrays and electrophoresis.MicroplatesMicroplates are multi-well plates used to increase the throughput of biological investigations. The number of wells microplates contain can range from 6 to 3243 wells, with the 96-well format being the most commonly used. Microplates can come tailored for a range of applications including cell culture, PCR, filtration, storage, non-binding surface, protein crystallization, as well as pre-coated, deep well and normal Standard microplates. Additionally, options for microplate colors include clear , black, white or black with clear bottom and white with clear bottom for absorbance microplate reader applications. Find the best microplates for your lab in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Biopharmaceutical AdvancesBiopharmaceutical advances follow the development of pharmaceuticals derived from biotechnology, also known as biotechnology medicines. Biopharmaceuticals may be produced from cell lines, plants, or microbial cells. Important considerations of biopharmaceutical use include application, cost, production process and purification.Clinical ChemistryBiochemistry (or clinical chemistry) involves the analysis of bodily fluids using chemical tests. Techniques used include HPLC, chromatography, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, immunochemical, electrophoresis, turbidometric / spectrophotometric assay, MRI and ISE analysis. Tests are often carried out on plasma or serum but urine (urinalysis) and fecal specimens are also processed.Drug DosageDosage is the size or frequency of the administration of a drug. Determination of the dosage of a drug is critical in pharmaceutical development to ensure the optimum balance between efficacy and toxicity.siRNACancer ResearchAlthough cancer is often referred to as a single condition, it actually consists of more than 100 different diseases. Microscopy, mass spectrometry, high throughput sequencing and flow cytometry are some of the most common techniques employed in cancer research labs.Inflammatory DiseasesNanoparticlesNanoparticles are between 1-100nm in size. Nanoparticles can be used for a wide variety of applications including biomedical, catalysis and electronics.TherapeuticsTherapeutics are treatments designed to alleviate or cure diseases. These include pharmaceuticals, biologics, and gene therapies, which work by targeting specific disease mechanisms. Advances in personalized medicine and biologics offer new hope for patients with conditions that were previously difficult to treat. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find therapeutic solutions for various diseases; compare products, check user reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.

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Genisphere Expands Partnership with LIMR to Collaborate on Nanotherapeutics