Vianautis
Micol Marchetti, Ph.D., currently serves as the Preclinical Team Leader at Vianautis since January 2024, bringing extensive experience in neuroscience and molecular pathology. Previously, Micol held the position of Senior Translational Scientist at Evox Therapeutics Ltd, focusing on CNS delivery of siRNA and ex-vivo molecular pathology. Micol has a strong background in study coordination, tissue analysis, and research leadership, demonstrated through roles at Uppsala University and Bristol University, where responsibilities included managing research teams and conducting advanced analytical techniques such as RNA/DNA analysis and IHC. Micol completed a Ph.D. in Science and Technologies for Health Products from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, further supporting a well-rounded expertise in biological science.
Vianautis
ViaNautis, formerly known as SomaServe, was founded in 2018 as a spin-off from UCL under the leadership of CEO and serial entrepreneur, Dr Francesca Crawford. The company’s core mission is to exploit the unique capabilities of the revolutionary polyNaut® technology. PolyNaut® is a versatile nano-engineered polymer technology designed for targeted intracellular delivery. This innovative technology enables polymer nanoparticles to deliver a wide range of payloads from small molecules to genetic materials creating ‘a bionic nanoparticle.’ The highly adaptable polymer structure of polyNaut® can be formulated to encapsulate a wide array of genetic cargoes, with sizes exceeding current standards for viral and non-viral delivery. Notably, it enhances the therapeutic efficacy of encapsulated molecules through direct delivery to the cell cytoplasm, facilitated by GOTO® technology for intracellular shuttling. PolyNaut® is set apart from conventional non-viral delivery technologies through its remarkable ability to target specific cells and penetrate biological barriers, including the challenging blood-brain barrier. PolyNaut® nanoparticles, when functionalised for CNS delivery through transcytosis, exhibit exceptional brain uptake. Deploying its state-of-the-art polyNaut® platform, ViaNautis is at the forefront of pioneering new therapies for CNS diseases and cystic fibrosis. The company is actively building an internal pipeline and collaborating with leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies to unlock the potential of promising genetic molecules as well as new therapeutic platforms.