Avecris

Avecris is a biotechnology firm, spun out of the National University of Singapore (NUS) in 2022, that is concentrated on developing a new class of genetic medicines. The company was established by Volker Patzel, based on technology he co-invented with Sushmita Poddar while she was his Ph.D. student at NUS. Dr. Poddar later joined as the Director of R&D, tasked with building out the labs and research programs from the ground up. Dennis Mak also serves as a Co-Founder and Director.

The core of Avecris's business is its proprietary SPRING DNA(™) platform, a non-viral gene delivery system designed to overcome the limitations of existing mRNA and viral vector technologies. This advanced expression vector platform is engineered to provide long-lasting, redosable, and tunable gene expression, which is a significant step forward in genetic therapy. A key feature is its cell-free manufacturing process, which allows for the rapid and scalable production of high-quality genetic vectors. The company's primary focus is on developing re-administrable drugs for metabolic diseases with significant unmet needs.

Avecris operates within the biopharmaceutical and life sciences markets, providing its technology platform to enable the development of novel treatments. Its business model appears to be centered on research and development, likely involving strategic partnerships with pharmaceutical companies and research institutions to bring its therapies to market. This is evidenced by its collaboration with the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) to advance its vector technology for genetic vaccinations. The company has received initial funding through accelerator programs, including the First Flight Venture Center's WheelsUP Accelerator, and was a winner of the Golden Ticket Competition sponsored by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Bakar BioEnginuity Hub.

Keywords: gene therapy, genetic vaccination, non-viral vector, DNA delivery, SPRING DNA, redosable medicine, tunable gene expression, cell-free manufacturing, metabolic diseases, biopharmaceutical, life sciences, Volker Patzel, National University of Singapore spin-out, genetic medicine, expression vector, drug development, DNA therapeutics, biotechnology, Singapore biotech, gene delivery systems