Grant Award Details

Development of Anti-COVID RNAi Therapeutics Using Human iPSC-Derived Alveolar Epithelial Cells
Grant Type: 
Grant Number: 
DISC1COVID19-12047
Project Objective: 
  • Synthesis of a Universal Endosomal Escape Domain (uEED) to optimize Anti-COVID siRNA delivery into human iPSC-derived Alveloar Epithelial Cells (AECs).
Investigator: 
Name: 
Institution: 
Type: 
PI
Disease Focus: 
COVID-19
Infectious Disease
Human Stem Cell Use: 
iPS Cell
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.

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