In vivo Tools for Cell-type-specific Identification of Endocytic Receptors

Daiichi Sankyo, a global pharmaceutical company, is seeking novel research for in vivo tools that enable cell-type-specific identification of endocytic receptors, supporting the discovery of targeting ligands for oligonucleotide therapeutics delivered to extra-hepatic tissues. 

Approaches of Interest:

• Genetically engineered animal models (e.g. mice with endogenously tagged endosomal marker proteins) enabling cell-type-specific identification of endocytic receptors, such as through Cre-loxP systems 
• Priority cell types include macrophages, fibroblasts, cardiomyocytes, renal tubular cells, and vascular endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier. A match against a single priority cell type is sufficient 
• In vivo targeting ligand screening capabilities compatible with these models 
• Disease areas of interest include pulmonary fibrosis, heart failure, Alzheimer’s disease, and ALS
• Open to delivery technologies for nucleic acid therapeutics conjugated to biomodalities such as antibodies. Target selection is fully open, with interest in models enabling unbiased discovery of candidate endocytic receptors 

Out of Scope:

• Small-molecule and lipid nanoparticle-based delivery approaches 
• Drug repurposing 
• Research without supporting data 

Developmental Stages of Interest

• Opportunities at the basic research stage are within scope, with preference given to those that include validation datasets. A healthy or wild-type model is sufficient at this stage 
• Established models allowing immediate evaluation of compounds are welcomed 

Submission Information

Daiichi Sankyo invites applications from both academic institutions and industry organizations and welcomes proposals based on both existing technologies or methods and novel approaches. Applicants should complete the submission form which should contain a brief, non‑confidential overview of your proposal, demonstrating how the RFP requirements are satisfied by your approach. To submit your proposal, please visit our website, register, and submit your application form under the appropriate Connect campaign. 

Opportunity for Collaboration

Our client is open to a range of collaboration opportunities, with the most appropriate outcome being decided on a case-by-case basis. Example outcomes include licensing assets, project/PhD funding, and research collaborations.