Improving the Targeting and Transduction Efficiency of Adeno-Associated Viral Vectors

Deadline: 2019-10-15
Award: $25,000
Open to: Everyone*

As AAVs garner more attention as a platform for gene therapy, the number of translational studies in which AAV vectors have been used for in vivo gene transfer has steadily increased and more clinical trial data have been generated. While AAV vectors maintain a good safety profile, they could benefit from optimization in terms of transduction efficiency and tissue-specific targeting, thereby increasing the therapeutic window and reducing off-target side effects. To support AstraZeneca’s research in our core therapeutic areas, we are seeking innovative strategies to enhance the targeted delivery of AAV vectors to particular tissues or organs such as heart, kidney, and lung cells with much improved transduction efficiency.