Creating a new way to produce circular RNAs using yeast
Official title: Development of circRNA manufacturing platform in yeast
Funded at Chimerna Therapeutics INC. · NIH-10822799 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to use yeast to make special RNA molecules called circular RNAs, which could help with treatments and tests for various health issues, making them easier to produce and use in medicine.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Chimerna Therapeutics INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $297,608 |
| NIH project number | 1R43TR004890-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10822799 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals with conditions that could be treated with therapies based on circRNAs.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by conditions that could be targeted by circRNA therapies may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a manufacturing platform that uses yeast to produce high-quality circular RNAs (circRNAs), which are promising for therapeutic applications. The project aims to overcome current challenges in circRNA synthesis and purification, which have hindered their use in research and medicine. By leveraging a proprietary technology that enhances RNA expression and stability, the researchers hope to create a more efficient and effective method for producing these molecules. This could lead to improved availability of circRNAs for various applications, including diagnostics and therapeutics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a reliable source of circRNAs for therapeutic use, potentially leading to new treatments for various diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using yeast for RNA production is innovative, similar technologies have shown promise in other contexts, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Chimerna Therapeutics INC.
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pickering, Brian Frederick — Chimerna Therapeutics INC.
- Study coordinator: Pickering, Brian Frederick
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improving the delivery of circular RNAs for better therapeutic effects
This study is working on making a new type of RNA therapy better and more reliable for patients by improving how these special circular RNAs are made and delivered, so they can effectively help treat various conditions.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.