Exploring the convergence of gene editing and RNAi in iPSC-derived allogeneic cell therapy

Nov 20, 2023

Within cell and gene therapy, there is a growing reliance on innovation in genome editing technology. David McCall (Senior Editor, BioInsights), speaks to Vlad Seitan, (Chief Scientific Officer, Laverock Therapeutics) about enhancing advanced therapies through a novel approach that combines the power of gene editing with the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. 

In a recent interview with BioInsights, Vlad Seitan discusses Laverock's ambitions to engineer improved cell and gene therapies through GEiGS®, the company’s new gene silencing technology. Vlad explains more about gene editing, its relationship with RNAi, and the way GEiGS technology works to repurpose endogenous miRNA genes and channel their silencing activity towards new targets of interest.


The full article can be viewed on the BioInsights website.

By Juliette Craggs 26 Mar, 2024
Stevenage, UK, 26 March 2024 - Laverock Therapeutics, a gene-silencing company with a uniquely powerful technology for the development of programmable advanced therapies to tackle major diseases, today announces the appointment of Ali Elsley as Finance Director.  Ali has extensive experience in the biotechnology and pharma sector working with both private and public companies. She joins from Acacia Pharma Group plc, an early commercial-stage listed pharma company, where she was Group Financial Controller and Company Secretary and focused on equity fundraising, M&A activity and all aspects of financial operations. Prior to this, she spent 10 years as an auditor with PwC LLP in Cambridge, with a focus on early-stage biotech and pharma companies, together with advisory IPO work. She is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and holds a degree in Archaeology and Anthropology from the University of Cambridge. In addition to Ali’s appointment, Laverock has significantly grown its team to 24 people, representing growth of 50% over the past year, and expanded its R&D facilities in the Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst as it continues to build its capabilities following its £13.5m expanded seed round announced in September last year, the second highest seed investment by a UK company in 2023. David Venables, CEO of Laverock, said: “Ali has an exceptional track record working with innovative biotechnology and pharma companies. I very much look forward to working closely with her and the rest of our fast-growing team as we continue to apply our uniquely powerful gene-silencing technology to the development of a new generation of programmable advanced therapies to tackle major diseases.” Ali Elsley, FD of Laverock, said: “Laverock’s technology has the potential to create a step-change in advanced therapies and I have been hugely impressed with the pace of progress since joining the company. The management team and Board are exceptionally strong, and I believe we have a very solid foundation from which to deliver on the promise.” ENDS For further information please contact: Laverock Therapeutics: E: contact@laverocktx.com Media Enquiries : Charles Consultants Sue Charles – Sue@charles-consultants.com +44 (0)7968 726585 Chris Gardner – Chris@CGComms.onmicrosoft.com +44 (0)7956 031077 About Laverock Therapeutics Laverock Therapeutics is a gene-silencing company with a uniquely powerful technology which harnesses the cell’s natural gene regulatory mechanisms to develop a new generation of programmable advanced therapies to tackle major diseases. Laverock’s truly innovative technology re-directs naturally-occurring micro RNAs (miRNAs) to conditionally silence genes in a way which is programmable, tunable, stable and specific. This opens a path to more effective, safer and accessible advanced therapies. Laverock is applying its technology through its own pipeline – targeting regenerative medicine and oncology – and through partnerships. Laverock has a highly experienced leadership team with proven track records in biotechnology, pharma and academia and an exceptionally strong Board. Laverock completed a £13.5m seed round in September 2023. Its high-calibre investors include Calculus Capital, Eli Lilly and Company, Mercia Ventures, Maven Capital Partners, Eos, UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund and Tekfen Ventures. For more information, please visit www.laverocktx.com and follow us on LinkedIn .
Laverock scientist working in the lab
By Juliette Craggs 30 Oct, 2023
Laverock Therapeutics secures £1m funding via the Innovate UK Investor Partnerships Future Economy programme, supported by UKI2S. 
By Juliette Craggs 20 Oct, 2023
Laverock Therapeutics will present a series of posters at the European Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ESGCT) Annual Congress in Brussels on 24-27 th October. The posters will focus on the therapeutic applications of Gene Editing induced Gene Silencing (GEiGS®) technology, demonstrating the wide range of therapy areas that can benefit from its use. Tom Payne, COO, Vlad Seitan, CSO, Anna Klucnika, Scientist, Vishal Menon, Scientist, and Alina Letzel, Scientist, will all be attending the conference. GEiGS uses universal gene editing tools to minimally edit non-coding genes and redirect their silencing activity towards a new target gene. This enables the generation of products with improved efficacy, safety and accessibility by ensuring cell type- or condition-specific activity. Laverock is currently developing programmes in regenerative medicine and immuno-oncology, with a focus on Type I Diabetes and solid tumour responsive T-cell and macrophage based immune therapies. To find out more and discuss potential partnering opportunities, visit the Laverock posters at P516, P582 and P706. The posters will be presented on Wednesday 25 th October, 6:15pm-7:30pm and Thursday 26 th October, 7:30pm-8:30pm, so a member of the team will be on hand to discuss the technology, or you can arrange a meeting during the conference by contacting contact@laverocktx.com . The posters being presented by Laverock, include: P516 Session: Immunotherapy & CART cells Engineering programmable, TME-responsive macrophages for solid tumour immunotherapy using Gene Editing induced Gene Silencing (GEiGS) technology P582 Session: Metabolic diseases Next generation, allogeneic cell therapies for Type 1 Diabetes – utilising Gene Editing induced Gene Silencing (GEiGS) technology to address current challenges P706 Session: Gene editing Gene Editing induced Gene Silencing (GEiGS) – A new platform for programmable cell engineering Laverock is recruiting! Check out the active roles on the website – www.laverocktx.com or speak to one of the team to find out more. The ESGCT Annual Congress is designed to promote basic and clinical research in gene therapy, cell therapy and genetic vaccines. The event will facilitate the exchange of information and provide key stakeholders the opportunity to come together and discuss the latest progress in these areas.
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