Dr. Nada Raddaoui is the General Director of the CNATM (Cluster of Excellence for Nucleic Acid-Based Therapeutics) at the University of Munich. The CNATM brings together leading scientists from Munich’s top universities, including the University of Munich (LMU) and the Technical University of Munich (TUM), as well as participation from the Universities of Regensburg and Würzburg, the Helmholtz Center in Munich, and 14 biotechnology companies from the greater Munich area.
At CNATM, we are moving away from traditional protein-based drug development and pioneering the use of nucleic acids as therapeutic agents. Nucleic acids represent one of the most promising molecular classes for the rapid development of highly specific therapeutics, as demonstrated by the mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines. Our research covers an even broader spectrum, including chemically modified mono- and dinucleotides, oligonucleotides such as siRNA, and aptamers.
Diseases such as infections, inflammation, cancer, and cardiovascular conditions account for 75% of deaths in the EU. Existing therapies are often ineffective or only treat symptoms, highlighting an urgent medical need.
Our objective is to fast-track active pharmaceutical compounds from development to validation and preclinical trials within a few years. Our 14 industrial partners are closely involved from the early stages of these projects, making significant contributions through research, drug synthesis, and formulation.
Recent discoveries suggest that the ability to design nucleic acids with high specificity could revolutionize medical treatments and open the door to entirely new therapeutic approaches, ultimately helping millions of patients worldwide. No other class of molecules is better suited to personalized medicine than nucleic acids. The CNATM aims to drive a breakthrough in nucleic acid-based therapies, with the ultimate goal of curing patients.
To fully develop nucleic acids as antivirals, anticancer agents, or immune modulators, we are creating new prodrug concepts. Our work focuses on novel siRNA (small interfering RNA) and antisense oligonucleotides, which are synthetic short, single-stranded nucleic acids.
Targeted chemical modifications of nucleic acids using click chemistry allow us to combine multiple synthesized units, solving specific challenges such as targeted binding at the site of action and efficient cellular penetration.
These new developments will contribute to the creation of next-generation mRNA vaccines. Additionally, we are advancing lipid and polymer-based delivery strategies to optimize the targeted transport of nucleic acids into cells.
At CNATM, scientists from multiple disciplines collaborate to achieve these ambitious goals.
Chemists develop new nucleic acid chemistry techniques.
Biochemists and cell biologists explore target sites and mechanisms of action.
Pharmacists test active compounds.
Polymer chemists create new delivery strategies.
Medical scientists focus on high-priority unmet medical needs.
With the development of the world’s first mRNA-based vaccine, Germany has gained a small lead in the field of nucleic acid therapeutics. At CNATM, we aim to expand and build upon this scientific and medical advantage through continuous innovation.
Comments