Welcome

Our research is focused on the roles of lipids in biological membranes and the use of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) systems to deliver conventional and genetic drugs. (Read more)

Our interests in LNP systems can be divided into three parts:

• The delivery of small molecule drugs, particularly those used in cancer chemotherapy, with the aim of increasing efficacy and reducing toxicity. (Read more)
  
  
• The delivery of LNP encapsulated immunostimulatory oligonucleotides to cells of the immune system, as an adjuvant for the immunotherapy of infectious and malignant disease. (Read more)
  
  
• The design of LNP systems capable of effectively delivering macromolecules such as nucleic acids (DNA/RNA) to target cells in vivo following systemic administration. (Read more)

Cartoon (not to scale) depicting the various liposomal and lipidic nanoparticle formulations that have reached the clinic. A. Liposome containing hydrophobic drug associated with the bilayer (e.g., Visudyne®). B. ‘Classical’ liposome containing entrapped drug in the interior aqueous space (e.g., AmBisome®, DaunoXome®, Myocet, DepoCyt). C. ‘Classical’ liposome containing a combination of two drugs (e.g., CPX-351, CPX-1). D. Stealth™ (PEGylated) liposome (e.g., Doxil®). E. Lipidic nanoparticle containing entrapped nucleic acids (e.g., Lc-raf-1) F. Solid core lipidic nanoparticle containing siRNA (e.g., ALN-TTR, TKM-ApoB). G. Ligand-targeted PEGylated liposomes (e.g., MM-302).
Source: T.M. Allen and P.R. Cullis. Liposomal drug delivery systems: From concept to clinical applications. Advance Drug Delivery Reviews. Volume 65, Issue 1, Pages 1-148 (January 2013).