In this episode, Dr. Pieter Cullis and Dr. Anna Blakney explore the rapidly advancing field of RNA-lipid nanoparticle (LNP) therapeutics and how this technology is enabling next-generation drug discovery platform with applications to precision or personalized medicines. This technology, best known for its role in COVID-19 vaccines, is now being applied to personalized cancer vaccines, rare genetic diseases, gene editing and even anti-aging research. The conversation covers how these therapies are designed and delivered, including how patient-specific treatments can be developed and adapted on accelerated timelines, and the exciting potential for a new generation of safer, more-targeted cancer therapies. They also examine the infrastructure required to move these innovations from lab to clinic, including biomanufacturing, regulatory pathways and the role of Canada’s research ecosystem. Their take-home message: RNA-LNP-based medicine represents a fundamental shift in how we treat diseases, and the shift is already underway with B.C. and Canada well positioned to help lead what comes next. HOST: Chantal Moore, Scientific Communications and Engagement Strategist, UBC Office of Research GUESTS: Dr. Anna Blakney, Assistant Professor, Michael Smith Laboratories and School of Biomedical Engineering at UBC and Dr. Pieter Cullis, Professor, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UBC Faculty of Medicine Produced byEdTech: Digital Solutions for Education and Office of Research, UBC Faculty of Medicine Story Editors and Associate ProducersNeha Manjari Akella, Research Network Manager, MS Research Network, UBC Faculty of MedicineChantal Moore, Scientific Communications and Engagement Strategist, Office of Research, UBC Faculty of Medicine Technical Production byEdTech: Digital Solutions for Education, UBC Faculty of Medicine Sound RecordistSam McGuinness, EdTech: Digital Solutions for Education, UBC Faculty of Medicine Sound EditorsSam McGuinness and Vanessa Reuter, EdTech: Digital Solutions for Education, UBC Faculty of Medicine Associate Director, Research Programs & AdministrationShelly Au, Office of Research, UBC Faculty of Medicine Executive DirectorDr. Michelle Wong, Canada’s Immuno-engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub and Office of Research, UBC Faculty of Medicine Senior Producer, Creative and DistributionStephen Gillis, EdTech: Digital Solutions for Education, UBC Faculty of Medicine Executive ProducerZachary Rothman, EdTech: Digital Solutions for Education, UBC Faculty of Medicine Subscribe to the show and other UBC Medicine Learning Network podcasts on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or your favourite podcast platform.Episode Timestamps · [00:00] – Introduction and episode overview · [01:49] – The promise of RNA therapeutics · [02:18] – Applications in rare diseases · [06:14] – Personalized cancer vaccines · [07:33] – Advancing novel therapies · [11:29] – The AVENGER program · [14:38] – Building the foundation · [19:58] – Patient access and equity· [22:18] – Looking ahead · [25:55] – Canada’s strategic position and sovereignty · [27:13] – Drs. Cullis and Blakney’s personal pathways [31:28] – Knowledge nugget Learn more about: AVENGER: https://immunoengineeringhub.ca/programs/avenger/ Dr. Anna Blakney: https://bme.ubc.ca/?directory=anna-blakney Dr. Pieter Cullis: https://lsi.ubc.ca/people/pieter-cullis/ Cullis, P., & Blakney, A. From COVID to cancer: Why Canada’s RNA vaccine leadership matters more than ever. The Conversation (April 30, 2025). https://theconversation.com/from-covid-to-cancer-why-canadas-rna-vaccine-leadership-matters-more-than-ever-254692. Canada’s Immuno-Engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub (CIEBH), a new UBC-led national research hub aimed at strengthening Canada’s pandemic preparedness and developing lifesaving new medicines that will transform the health of Canadians. https://immunoengineeringhub.ca/ Conflict of Interest Disclosure: Dr. Pieter Cullis is a scientific entrepreneur, having co-founded over 10 biotechnology companies. He has financial holdings in Acuitas Therapeutics, NanoVation Therapeutics, Polymorphic BioSciences, Integrated NanoTherapeutics and SeraGene Therapeutics. He is Chair of NanoVation and CEO of Polymorphic and a member of the Board of Seragene. Dr. Anna Blakney: Co-Founder: Syrina Therapeutics; Scientific Advisory Board: Genvax Technologies, Replicate Biosciences, Pasture Biosciences, TR1X Bio; Consultant: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Epitopea The Vancouver Fraser Medical Program and the Vancouver Academic Campus of the University of British Columbia are situated on the traditional territory of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh peoples. The Southern Medical Program and the Okanagan Academic Campus of the University of British Columbia are situated on the territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation. The Northern Medical Program and the University of Northern BC are situated on the traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh, part of the Dakelh (Carrier) First Nations. With respect to the Lekwungen peoples on whose traditional territory the Island Medical Program and the University of Victoria stand, and the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day. We acknowledge our traditional hosts and honour their welcome and graciousness to the students who seek knowledge here. All rights reserved. Reproduction and distribution of this presentation without written permission from UBC Faculty of Medicine is strictly prohibited. © UBC Medicine Learning Network 2026 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
