Stem cells are a cornerstone of cell, gene and tissue therapy fields, which have grown exponentially in the last years. But there is a technological gap to fill to unlock its full potential: having in hand refined tools to induce targeted gene expression, both in terms of timing and localization. This lack of specificity hampers the development of novel therapeutic tools for cell and gene therapies. To address this gap, we have developed a technological platform that allows to design so-called “specific promoters”, that target and limit gene expression to a specific cell type. Building on this platform, a start-up company, Immugenia, was created to bring this technology to the clinic. Through this project, we will develop new synthetic promoters and expand their utility to a large array of indications. We will provide important data and stronger intellectual property that will allow the transfer of this technology to the industry for clinical applications. The success of this technology will generate new sophisticated therapies that will result in decreasing the economic burden of very costly chronic diseases.
User: Stéphane Gagné (Immugenia)