Hokkaido University develops improved artificial viral vector

Published: 22-Feb-2008
Sustainability Research & Development

An improved artificial viral vector for safely delivering genes into cells for gene therapy has been developed by a research team at Hokkaido University.


An improved artificial viral vector for safely delivering genes into cells for gene therapy has been developed by a research team at Hokkaido University.

Gene therapy currently relies mainly on the adenovirus and other real viruses to carry therapeutic genes into affected cells, but the safety of these vectors has come into question. Artificial viruses are being developed as an alternative, but these kinds of vectors have yet to work effectively.

The new artificial virus can deliver genes into cells with 100 times the efficiency of anything developed to date, according to the research team. It is made from a roughly 100 nm diameter capsule surface-treated to carry molecules that facilitate the capsule's entry into a cell. In addition to genes, this vector can also insert pieces of RNA for the therapeutic strategy known as RNA interference.

See more

You may also like

Manufacturing

Sapio Sciences introduces world’s first 3rd-generation ELN

Read more
Sapio ELaiN is an AI-powered lab notebook designed to act as a scientific collaborator

Trending Articles

  1. Suncombe and Kindeva collaborate to deliver low-carbon inhalers to the NHS The partnership will develop next-generation pressurised metered-dose inhalers with low Global Warming Potential propellants, helping the NHS move closer to its Net Zero target
  2. Douglas Pharmaceuticals sets new benchmark for capsule quality with CI Precision Partnership delivers compliance confidence, efficiency gains and reduced waste
  3. Servier acquires potential treatment for Fragile X syndrome KER-0193, a novel, orally bioavailable small molecule, was granted orphan drug and rare paediatric drug designation by the US FDA
  4. NICE recommends enfortumab vedotin with KEYTRUDA for adults in England/Wales with untreated metastatic urothelial cancer The results from the Phase III study EV-302/KN-A39 showed nearly a doubling of survival rates in patients compared with those who received platinum-based chemotherapy, which is the current standard of care in the UK
  5. Ecolab and SCG sign MOU to enhance business competitiveness and drive ESG progress This 5-year MOU underscores how collaboration can turn sustainability commitments into measurable outcomes, accelerating the journey toward Net Zero while strengthening cross-industry competitiveness

Upcoming event

Enhancing probiotic stability through smarter formulation and packaging strategies

18 September 2025 | Virtual See all

You may also like

Manufacturing

Sapio Sciences introduces world’s first 3rd-generation ELN

Sapio ELaiN is an AI-powered lab notebook designed to act as a scientific collaborator
Manufacturing

Signal Group launches MCERTS approved VOC emissions monitor

New SOLAR CEMNEX analyser offers advanced compliance and connectivity features
Research & Development

Genoskin raises $8.7m in its first funding round to advance its ethical, human-based alternatives to animal testing

The financing will drive Genoskin’s next phase of growth, with a view to scaling up operations in both the US and France
Manufacturing

L.B. Bohle to showcase machines for OSD, food and nutraceuticals at PACK EXPO 2025

Company to present advanced blending, particle sizing and coating technologies at Las Vegas event
Drug Delivery

Tiziana receives grant for intranasal anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody therapy for spinal cord injury

The US Department of Defense awarded the biotechnology company a research grant to study the use of intranasal anti-CD3 therapy in traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI)
Regulatory

Novo Nordisk’s oral semaglutide scores EU approval for cardiovascular benefits

Rybelsus is now the first and only oral GLP-1 RA to reduce cardiovascular death, heart attack and stroke
Manufacturing

Anton Paar launches next-generation rheometers for unmatched precision

New instrument series redefines possibilities in rheological testing and analysis
Subscribe now