Katja Pekrun

Title: Katja Pekrun: Innovator in Gene Therapy

Introduction

Katja Pekrun is a prominent inventor based in Palo Alto, California. She has made significant contributions to the field of gene therapy, particularly in the development of adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsids. Her work focuses on enhancing the tropism of these viral vectors for therapeutic applications.

Latest Patents

Katja Pekrun holds a patent for "Recombinant adeno-associated virus capsids with enhanced human pancreatic tropism." This invention relates to variant AAV capsid polypeptides that exhibit increased transduction and/or tropism in human pancreatic tissue or human islets compared to non-variant parent capsid polypeptides. This advancement has the potential to improve gene delivery methods for treating pancreatic diseases.

Career Highlights

Katja Pekrun is affiliated with Leland Stanford Junior University, where she conducts her research and development activities. Her innovative work has positioned her as a key figure in the field of gene therapy, contributing to advancements that may lead to new treatment options for patients.

Collaborations

One of her notable collaborators is Mark A. Kay, who is also recognized for his contributions to gene therapy research. Their partnership exemplifies the collaborative spirit in scientific research, leading to groundbreaking innovations.

Conclusion

Katja Pekrun's work in developing enhanced AAV capsids represents a significant step forward in gene therapy. Her contributions are paving the way for new therapeutic strategies in treating pancreatic conditions.