Founder Genomics is a research organization dedicated to advancing antibiotic therapies, with a particular focus on tuberculosis (TB). Their multidisciplinary team, comprising experts in theoretical biology, biochemistry, physics, statistics, and engineering, employs mathematical models, experimental data, and clinical insights to optimize drug treatment strategies at both individual and population levels.
Antibiotics :
Investigating the mechanisms of antibiotic efficacy and resistance, especially concerning multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) TB strains. The goal is to develop strategies that enhance the effectiveness of existing antibiotics and support the discovery of new drug candidates.
Population Biology :
Exploring how bacterial populations evolve under selective pressures, such as drug treatments and host immune responses. This research aims to inform strategies to slow the spread of resistance and optimize public health outcomes.ons de conception durables
Biochemistry and Pharmacology :
Studying the biochemical interactions between drugs and their bacterial targets, including drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination (ADME) processes. These insights help identify promising compounds, optimize dosing strategies, and reduce off-target effects.
Our Approach
Innovative Research & Development
We leverage state-of-the-art technologies, including genomics, proteomics, and artificial intelligence, to identify novel drug targets and optimize antibiotic candidates.
Collaboration Across Disciplines
TBInnovate partners with leading academic institutions, biotech firms, and global health organizations to accelerate breakthroughs in TB treatment.
Tackling Resistance Head-On
Our work focuses on creating drugs that remain effective against MDR-TB and XDR-TB strains, ensuring lasting efficacy in the face of evolving bacterial resistance.
Patient-Centric Solutions
We prioritize therapies that are:
- Shorter in duration
- More tolerable for patients
- Affordable and accessible in resource-limited settings
Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV): A Powerful Tool for Gene Therapy and Genetic Manipulation
Adeno-associated virus (AAV), a member of the Parvoviridae family, is a single-stranded DNA vi rus widely used in gene therapy, gene expression, and gene manipulation. With its replication-defective nature, rAAV (recombinant AAV) has become an indispensable tool in genetic research and therapeutic applications.
Structure and Genome of AAV
The AAV genome is a single-stranded DNA molecule that is approximately 4.7 kb in length. It consists of two main genes:
- Rep gene : Responsible for viral replication.
- Cap gene : Encodes the capsid protein necessary for packaging the viral genome.
These genes are flanked by inverted terminal repeat (ITR) sequences, which are crucial for the vir us's replication and packaging processes. The AAV particle, with a diameter of approximately 20 nm, is icosahedral in shape and lacks an envelope, making it a robust vector for gene delivery.
rAAV : The Modified Vir us with Increased Potential
In recombinant AAV (rAAV), the AAV genome conserves only the ITRs, while the viral DNA between them is replaced with the gene of interest. This modification allows for the delivery of foreign genes without the risks associated with full viral replication. The ITRs serve as cis-elements that are essential for viral genome replication and packaging, while the Rep, Cap, and helper genes are provided trans (separately) for viral packaging.
Why Choose AAV for Your Research or Therapy ?
- Exceptional Safety Profile : With low immunogenicity and the ability to transduce a wide variety of host cells, AAV is an ideal choice for both clinical gene therapy and basic research.
- Stability and Longevity : rAAV provides stable, long-term gene expression without the need for continuous viral replication.
- Versatility : The availability of multiple serotypes enables researchers to target specific tissues and cell types effectively.
# | AAV Vector | LV Vector | Retroviral Vector | Adenovirus Vector |
Diamete | 20-30 nm | 90-110 nm | 90-100 nm | 60-90 nm |
Copy type | / | / | / | active |
Gene capacity | 2.5 kb | 4 kb | 1.6 kb | 5-6 kb |
Integration mechanism | Directional low frequency | random high frequency | random high frequency | non-integrated |
Cell infection | serotype determination | Wide range | split cell | Wide range |
Titer range | vg/ml | tu/ml | tu/ml | /ml |
In vitro infection | available | recommended | available | available |
Immunogenicity | weak | normal | normal | weak |
Positioning injection | recommended | available | recommended | available |
Diffusion ability | strong | normal | normal | strong |
Start time | 2-3 weeks | 3-4 days | 3-4 days | 2-3 days |
Duration | >3 months | >2 months | > 2 months | < 10 days |