Application of rna nanotechnology for delivery of mrna therapeutics
Sixfold Bioscience is a biotechnology company that conducts preclinical research and development on its patented Programmable Oligonucleotide Delivery System (PODS). Proof-of-concept in vitro and in vivo data has been demonstrated for the delivery of siRNA-PODS to specific cancer cells by ligand-based targeting. Sixfold is now looking to expand the utility of the PODS to include mRNA delivery (mRNA-PODS). 

The field of mRNA therapeutics is hugely promising area of Cell and Gene therapy, where it has the potential to cure, treat or reprogram any cell in the body. However, there are no effective methods available to deliver these drugs efficiently and safely in the body. Current options in preclinical development have issues with severe toxicity and a lack of specificity. Sixfold’s biocompatible PODS have the potential to be a best-in-class solution for mRNA delivery, however in order to exploit this opportunity the SME is required to overcome an extremely competitive field and the chronic national labour shortages in RNA nanotechnology. 

Sixfold is applying for an European SME innovation Associate to overcome the challenges faced in hiring. The innovation associate will be given a unique opportunity to work on groundbreaking science with leaders in the field and develop their skills in entrepreneurship/innovation and RNA nanotechnology through tailored training. The associate will bring their experience in computational RNA biology, mRNA Biochemistry or RNA Nanotechnology (minimum PhD) to develop and implement computational and chemical techniques to adapt Sixfold’s proprietary technology for delivery of therapeutic mRNA.