Ke Zhang
Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology
Northeastern University

Oligonucleotides, as programmable biomolecules, hold tremendous therapeutic potential. Despite more than four decades of development, only a handful oligonucleotide drugs have successfully entered the market. This limited success can be attributed, in part, to challenges delivery, particularly to non-liver sites. This presentation focuses on a new vector system termed Brushield, which is based on bottlebrush polymer-oligonucleotide conjugates. The Brushield leverages the densely packed, three-dimensional arrangement of polymer side chains to provide protection, enhance cell uptake, and facilitate efficient in vivo delivery to non-liver organs. We will explore the applications of Brushield in various disease settings, including its potential in addressing challenges associated with cancer and rare genetic diseases.