Dr Georg Von Jonquieres
I am a molecular and cell biologist with broad neurophysiology and genetics background. My researchdrives innovative gene therapy development for intractable neurological disorders. Following my Ph.D. at the Centre of Advanced European Studies and Research. Since joining UNSW Sydney as research fellow I have grown my passion and expertise developing targeted gene therapies for treatment of intractable diseases in the central nervous system. I enjoy continuously growing my broad understanding in the physiological and neurosciences, particularly in sensory motor neurophysiology, genetic and metabolic diseases and am driven to advance the development of the next generation of smart therapeutics to improve prognosis and treatment outcomes for some of the most devastating pathologies.
- Publications
- Media
- Grants
- Awards
- Research Activities
- Engagement
- Teaching and Supervision
Establishing Vision-BaDGE anti-VEGF DNA therapy for age-related macular degeneration. Australia's Economic Accelerator Seed Grants (2023 - 2024)
Bionic-array Directed Gene Electrotransfer for Treating Focal Brain Disorders. NHMRC Ideas Grant (2021 - 2025)
Imaging and analysis of drug mode of action in pre-clinical traumatic Brain Injury Models. Research Contracts (2024)
Restoring hearing by gene electrotransfer - based enablement of auditory neurons to transduce sound. NHMRC Ideas Grant (2020 - 2022)
Development of next generation DNA therapeutics for the treatment of Canavan Disease. European Leukodystrophy Association Research Grant (2016)
Following my Ph.D. research in Germany, I joined the Translational Neuroscience Facility at UNSW Sydney with a keen interest to develop safe and efficienttherapeutic interventions for a variety of devastating intractable neurological indications based on asmart intervention in underlying inter- and intracellular signaling cascades. To this end, we developviral and non-viralgene therapies to achieve spatially and temporally controlled expression of therapeutic payloads directed precisely to the required cell type and sub-cellular compartment. Within our non-viral drug/device development scheme we collaborate closely with exerts in theGraduate School of Biomedical Engineering (GSBME) continuing to refine and reposition ourcutting-edge Bionic array directed gene electrotransfer (BaDGE®) platform technology.
The main pillars of ourٳҷ®program include:
Brain-BaDGE: Achieved a world first focal deep tissuein vivo vector free gene transfer to neurons with a needle-like device. This project seeks to translate focal electro-lens field focusing technology using miniscule charge into clinical practice for treatment of drug-resistant focal epilepsy and other neurological indications that require precise DNA/RNA targeting in the CNS. This program is an international research collaboration with leading clinical researchers from the Experimental Epileptology group at the Hertie Institute for clinical brain research at the University of Tubingen, Germany andsupported by our NHMRC grant and our industry partner Boehringer Ingelheim Research Beyond Boarders GmbH.
վDz-ٳҷ:Develops gene electrotransfer therapy to improve current treatment practice for wet age - related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy by replacing the frequent intravitreal injections with a safer, efficient, and much longer lasting approach. This programand leverages our industry connections with Boehringer Ingelheim Research Beyond Boarders GmbH and Touchlight Genetics Inc and is supported by an Australian Economic Accelerator grant.
Hearing-BaDGE: This flagship technology modified the CochlearTM Hearing Implant to enable focal neurotrophin gene delivery to guide neurite growth towards the bionic implant electrodes, closing the 'neural gap' and improving cochlear implant performance. This technology is currently progressing through PhaseI/IIa first-in-human clinical trial.
Muscle-BaDGE:This program positions our needle-like gene electrotransfer device with electro-lens field focusing technology into a disposable single use device for modern mRNA and DNA immunotherapy and vaccine delivery.
Nerve-BaDGE: Aims to promote nerve regeneration and repair following trauma such as spinal chord injury.
OurBrain Injury Small Molecule Therapeutics Program programis an integral part of a vibrant three way preclinical research collaboration between our UNSW Sydney team, the local neuroscience and drug development company Nyrada Inc, and a Brain Trauma Neuroprotection team based in the USA. Together we drive the development of novel treatments that aim to limit secondary brain injury expansion within the 'golden therapeutic window' following a stroke or traumatic injury.