over 100x the expression of traditional non-viral DNA
Invisible to immune sensors that detect foreign DNA
Months to years of expression from a single dose; safely re-dosable
Low manufacturing complexity and proven LNP technology
Engage’s Tethosome platform solves the two key hurdles that have held back the field non-viral DNA: potency and toxicity. Using proven LNP technology, we deliver a therapeutic DNA and an mRNA encoding our proprietary Tethosome protein. This protein localizes DNA to the nucleus, increasing expression by over 100-fold. Critically, our Tethosome platform is invisible to immune sensors which detect foreign DNA and which can cause lethal immune reactions. This allows us to safely deliver potent DNA, re-dose when needed, and titrate expression to optimal levels.
LNP delivers therapeutic DNA and Tethosome mRNA to cells
Tethosome protein is translated and tethers DNA to the nucleus while evading immune sensors
Therapeutic DNA is expressed
Kathryn is the co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer at Engage Bio. Kathryn obtained her PhD in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at UC Berkeley. Kathryn then spent 2 years working in therapeutic antibody development at Bayer before joining Harpoon Therapeutics as one of their earliest hires. At Harpoon, Kathryn helped advance four bispecific T cell engagers into the clinic.
Ben is the Head of Molecular Biology at Engage Bio. He obtained his PhD at MRC Toxicology Unit in Cambridge, where he focused on understanding the role of RNA in DNA repair mechanisms. Ben later moved to Weill Cornell where he completed a postdoc studying RNA modifications.
Taufeeq is the Head of In Vivo Operations at Engage Bio. He was previously the Director of Vivarium / In Vivo operations at TrueBinding and the Facility Manager at the Molecular Medicine Research Institute. Taufeeq obtained his DVM at the College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, Hyderabad, India.
Ashley is an In Vivo Research Associate at Engage Bio. She has a Bachelors of Science in Biology from Howard University, and has previously worked at Idexx and Charles River.
Vaasu is a Senior Research Associate at Engage Bio. He has a Bachelors of Science in Biology from UC Berkeley.
Tess is a Research Associate at Engage Bio. She has a Bachelors of Science in Public Health from UC Berkeley.
Dmitri is a Scientific Advisor to Engage Bio. He is the CSO of Crossbow Therapeutics, where he is developing TCR-mimetic antibodies. He was previously CSO at Jounce Therapeutics, and Global Head of Immuno-Oncology at Sanofi. Dmitri received a PhD in cancer biology from Harvard University.
Melissa is a Scientific Advisor to Engage Bio. She is the co-founder of 4DMolecular Therapeutics, where she advanced multiple genetic medicines into clinical development. She also co-founded IGNITE Immunotherapy which developed oncolytic viral therapies for cancer (acquired by Pfizer). Melissa received a PhD in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from UC Berkeley.
Lucas is a Scientific Advisor to Engage Bio. He is the co-founder and CSO at Mammoth Biosciences, where he develops gene editing therapies for a range of disease targets. He is also co-founder and GP at SciFounders, a venture capital firm. Lucas completed his PhD in the Jennifer Doudna lab at UC Berkeley.
Engage is committed to leveraging the wide applicability of our Tethosome platform through external partnerships. We are actively seeking collaborations in areas ranging from gene replacement, oncology, and durable therapeutic protein expression. Our ideal partners share our vision to expand the boundaries of genetic medicine and to generate innovative medicines that improve human health.
We believe that improving the lives of patients is the most valuable goal we can aspire to – and we’re looking for others who share our passion. If your life’s mission is to tackle difficult, but important challenges in human health, please reach out to us.
