Following my Ph.D. research in Germany, I joined the Translational Neuroscience Facility at UNSW Sydney with a keen interest to develop safe and efficient therapeutic interventions for a variety of devastating intractable neurological indications based on a smart intervention in underlying inter- and intracellular signaling cascades. To this end, we develop viral and non-viral gene therapies to achieve spatially and temporally controlled expression of therapeutic payloads directed precisely to the required cell type and sub-cellular compartment. Within our non-viral drug/device development scheme we collaborate closely with exerts in the Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering (GSBME) continuing to refine and reposition our cutting-edge Bionic array directed gene electrotransfer (BaDGE®) platform technology.

The main pillars of our BaDGE® program include:

Brain-BaDGE: Achieved a world first focal deep tissue in vivo vector free gene transfer to neurons with a needle-like device. This project seeks to translate focal electro-lens field focusing technology using miniscule charge into clinical practice for treatment of drug-resistant focal epilepsy and other neurological indications that require precise DNA/RNA targeting in the CNS. This program is an international research collaboration with leading clinical researchers from the Experimental Epileptology group at the Hertie Institute for clinical brain research at the University of Tubingen, Germany and supported by our NHMRC grant and our industry partner Boehringer Ingelheim Research Beyond Boarders GmbH.

Vision-BaDGE: Develops gene electrotransfer therapy to improve current treatment practice for wet age - related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy by replacing the frequent intravitreal injections with a safer, efficient, and much longer lasting approach. This program and leverages our industry connections with Boehringer Ingelheim Research Beyond Boarders GmbH and Touchlight Genetics Inc and is supported by an Australian Economic Accelerator grant.

Hearing-BaDGE: This flagship technology modified the Cochlear^TM Hearing Implant to enable focal neurotrophin gene delivery to guide neurite growth towards the bionic implant electrodes, closing the 'neural gap' and improving cochlear implant performance. This technology is currently progressing through PhaseI/IIa first-in-human clinical trial.

Muscle-BaDGE: This program positions our needle-like gene electrotransfer device with electro-lens field focusing technology into a disposable single use device for modern mRNA and DNA immunotherapy and vaccine delivery.

Nerve-BaDGE: Aims to promote nerve regeneration and repair following trauma such as spinal chord injury.

Our Brain Injury Small Molecule Therapeutics Program program is an integral part of a vibrant three way preclinical research collaboration between our UNSW Sydney team, the local  neuroscience and drug development company Nyrada Inc, and a Brain Trauma Neuroprotection team based in the USA. Together we drive the development of novel treatments that aim to limit secondary brain injury expansion within the 'golden therapeutic window' following a stroke or traumatic injury.