WEHI Special Seminar hosted by David Komander

Professor Leszek Lisowski
Unit Head, Translational Vectorology Unit, Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI), Sydney

 

Next-generation AAVs for next-generation therapeutics: From bench to bedside … and back!
 

In-person presentation only

L7W Seminar Room

Including Q&A session

Professor Lisowski PhD, MBA, received his PhD in Molecular Biology and Genetics from Cornell University, New York, NY and subsequently undertook post-doctoral training at Stanford University, CA (2008 – 2012) and the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, CA (2012-2015). While at the Salk Institute he also enrolled  in and completed an MBA degree at UC San Diego, Rady School of Management.  In 2015 he was recruited by The University of Sydney / Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) to establish his independent team, the Translational Vectorology Research Unit (TVRU) and academic facility dedicated to vector manufacturing and gene editing – the Vector and Genome Engineering Facility (VGEF).

Prof Lisowski is a world-leading expert in vectorology with over 20 years of experience in developing and manufacturing viral vectors as well as translation of gene therapies from bench to bedside. His research spans the gamut of basic research through to translation and commercialisation. Specifically, his group studies liver and CNS biology, AAV biology and vectorology, development of novel bioengineered AAV variants using techniques such as Directed Evolution, AI/ML-based strategies, in silico design, or directed genetic drift. In addition, his group specializes in development and improvement of viral vector manufacturing technologies, including upstream production and downstream purification, with special interest in clinical vector manufacturing. 

Driven by his dedication to translation of his research outputs, Prof. Lisowski was a key driver behind establishing Australian first centre dedicated to the development and translation of gene therapeutics: Australian Genome Therapeutics Centre (AGTC), as well as the Advanced Therapeutics Translational Program (ATTP), which specializes in the development and clinical implementation of gene therapies for paediatric genetic disorders. Last year he co-established Australian first clinical grade viral vector manufacturing facility, which he leads in his capacity as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Taking advantage of the ecosystem he helped establish, Prof. Lisowski’s team is currently running 10 translational programs for rare paediatric genetic conditions, with the most advanced program entering clinical Phase I/II in October 2025.

In addition to his academic activities, since relocating to Australia, Prof. Lisowski has established five Australian spinout and startup companies in gene therapy space as well as has established and serves as the current President of a non-profit organisation dedicated to the translation of gene therapies for rare conditions – the Gene2Cure Foundation.

All welcome!