Register for PhD Students - CombiGene - VT23

CombiGene

Evaluation of new Gene Therapy projects

CombiGene is the leading Nordic gene therapy company with one project approaching the clinical study phase in Epilepsy ,one project in an early preclinical phase within metabolic diseases and a pain program in a joint collaboration with a Danish company. Gene therapy has seen rapid development in recent years, with several approved therapies and major corporate deals. During this period CombiGene built up a unique position with respect to knowledge within this field in the Nordic region. The company’s expertise covers all central areas of the gene therapy field: viral vectors, preclinical studies including biodistribution and toxicity studies, development of GMP-classed manufacturing methods, upscaling of production volumes and regulatory strategy.

Background

CombiGene’s business concept is to develop effective gene therapies for severe life-altering diseases where adequate treatment is currently lacking. Development assets are sourced from an external research network and developed to achieve clinical proof of concept. Drug candidates for common diseases will be co-developed and commercialized through strategic partnerships, while the company may manage this process on its own for drugs targeting niched patient populations. CombiGene and Spark Therapeutics entered in October 2021 an exclusive global collaboration and licensing agreement for gene therapy candidate CG01. The company is therefore looking into new gene therapy projects to expand the portfolio.

Project Description

The work of the student will be to aid in the evaluation of the current assets under review. Depending on profile and interest of candidate as well as what current project is under evaluation the work may include deep diving into disease and mechanism of action of target, designing viral vectors for candidate drug evaluation, evaluation of current pre-clinical data, competitor analysis, evaluation of medical need etc. The student would be one part of a great team (both internal CombiGene personnel as well as consultants) performing the evaluation.

Candidate’s Profile

We seek for a curious person, with a good eye for evaluating science. Expertise in gene therapy is good but no must. He/she should be analytical and reflective, knowledge in literature review and report writing is a must as well as good communication skills and fluent in spoken and written English.

Supervisor

The supervisor for this project has long and broad experience from the life science industry in the majority of different functions (clinical development, CMC, regulatory affairs, corporate business level), both from a corporate perspective and project leadership in all stages of drug development. She will provide guidance and be a discussion partner throughout the project.

Practical details

Starting date: HT 2023. Preferable in September-October 2023 (can be discussed)


Duration: Preferable two months part-time work (can be discussed)

Location of work: Flexible, options are CombiGene’s office at Agavägen 52, Lidingö, & working ‘from home’ (Covid-19 adapted if necessary)

About CombiGene: http://combigene.com

Contact details:

Birgitta Ståhl, Senior Director In-licensing

birgitta.stahl@combigene.com

070-380 9940