Imagine a scenario where a child is unable to produce a vital protein in the liver, threatening their life within a year. Now imagine that through utilizing genomic technologies, researchers can quickly identify the deficient protein, synthesize messenger RNA (mRNA) within months, and encapsulate it into nanoparticles within a day. The result? A customized life-saving medicine tailored to the child's specific needs. This groundbreaking application shows the transformative potential of nanomedicines.
Introducing NanoCore
NanoCore, the Translational NanoMedicines Formulation and Characterization Core Facility, situated at the University of British Columbia, stands at the forefront of nanomedicine research.
Established in 2018, NanoCore’s vision is to translate nanomedicines to the clinic by providing state-of-the-art nanoparticle formulations and a standardized nanomedicines characterization service to enable potent therapies that can be readily manufactured. Led by Dr. Pieter Cullis, a Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at UBC and a 2024 Canadian Medical Hall of Fame inductee, Dr Cullis is recognized for developing the lipid nanoparticle delivery technology that enables mRNA and other gene therapies. His laboratory has been responsible for fundamental advances in the generation, loading and targeting of liposomal systems for intravenous delivery of conventional and genetic drugs. NanoCore will benefit from funding from D2R to continue its operations and will be instrumental in helping D2R reach its translational outcomes.
Since its inception, NanoCore has helped over 30 research projects across Canada including one led by NanoVation Therapeutics – a company offering delivery systems to both pharmaceuticals and small companies that are just starting up.
What are NanoCore services?
NanoCore serves as a dynamic hub for advancing nanomedicine. It is a facility where scientists collaborate to develop nanoparticles known as nanomedicines. These tiny wonders hold promise for treating various diseases, including genetic disorders, infections, and cancer, more efficiently than conventional medicines. Its mission is to develop high-quality, state-of-the-art lipid nanoparticles encapsulating nucleic acid, small molecule, or peptide drugs that enable proof-of-concept (POC) animal studies.
NanoCore's mission extends beyond providing tools; it is also about empowering scientists with knowledge. Researchers have considerable expertise in certain disease areas but may lack familiarity with these advanced delivery systems. NanoCore steps in to either offer its delivery systems, or training and guidance for researchers to do it themselves.
Dr. Cullis says that "often researchers will be experts in a particular disease, but not many have expertise in the lipid nanoparticle field, and so we [NanoCore] can provide the initial tests for them. We can show them how to do it themselves. We can also provide advanced systems that give you maximum gene expression following Intravenous or intramuscular injection. So, it is not just providing materials, it’s also providing advice on how to go forward.â€
NanoCore also tailors their services to meet the needs of researchers, aiding them in packaging genetic materials like messenger RNA and DNA for their studies. Dr. Cullis explains “If [researchers] want something that goes to the liver, like making proteins, they would need a delivery system that can find its way to the liver, or if they want to target bone marrow, then they’d need to develop a different supply system. NanoCore’s optimized systems cater to different characteristics. It’s a fairly full service.â€
Looking forward
NanoCore aims to continue pushing the boundaries of nanomedicine research. Dr. Cullis envisions, "The potential is definitely there, with a lot of translational focus. I see NanoCore as part of the continuum of what you need to develop new therapeutics for people with previously incurable diseases.â€
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