Our Science
Biotechnology is rapidly advancing allowing previously unthinkable gene and cell therapies that could cure untreatable diseases. However, the fundamental problem of delivery of these technologies into cells has not been solved. SE-Therapeutics’ technological platform leverages a protein domain, perfected by natural selection, to generate the next generation of biotechnological tools that can enter cells unaided.
We have developed a breakthrough version of CRISPR/Cas9 that enables gene editing in previously difficult and uneconomical cell types. Gene editing is now simple and efficient. Exploration for new gene therapies for incurable diseases is now attainable. Additionally, in the stem/cell therapy space, our technological platform reduces the complexity and increases the final yield of production.
Utilizing our team’s strong scientific background and through academic collaboration with elite institutions we are developing self-entering biologics that go beyond gene therapy. Aiming for intracellular targets with antibodies and other modalities is now a reality. We look forward to the development of novel biologic therapeutics and new tools for the scientific community to bolster their R&D.
Self-Entering Domain (SED) Biology
SED is a protein domain from a toxin found in bacteria. Through constant evolutionary pressures, these bacterial toxins have become highly efficient at entering cells. We have engineered SED to remove the harmful protein domain of the toxin to build a superior cellular delivery vehicle that can simply be conjoined to any biologic. SED gives biologic the ability to enter cells without any additional aid making them self-entering, and thus easy and effective to use
How It Works
SED takes advantage of its very high binding affinity domain to bind to a common cell surface receptor. The binding of SED initiates receptor-mediated endocytosis bringing the biologic into the cell. During the cellular trafficking process, a secondary protein domain of SED is activated driving it to penetrate the endosomal membrane and releasing the biologic into the cytoplasm. Once released, the biologic performs its intended function inside of the cell.