The science of delivering cures straight to your cells | Eric Kelsic
Synopsis: The Science of Delivering Cures Straight to Your Cells | Eric Kelsic
In this enlightening video, Eric Kelsic, CEO of Dyno Therapeutics, explores the transformative potential of gene therapy. For decades, scientists have envisioned a future where genetic diseases can be effectively treated at the root level. Kelsic emphasizes that our genome, often perceived as a static element, can indeed be altered to enhance our health and longevity.
Highlighting the challenges of gene delivery, he explains how his team engineers capsids—protein shells derived from viruses—to transport therapeutic DNA into cells. This breakthrough advances gene therapies, enabling one-time treatments with lasting effects. Notably, Kelsic references Zolgensma, an innovative therapy that can cure spinal muscular atrophy, showcasing the power of gene therapy in changing lives.
Utilizing artificial intelligence, Dyno Therapeutics aims to revolutionize capsid engineering, allowing for efficient testing and optimization to ensure effective treatment delivery. The promise of democratizing gene therapy is profound, as Kelsic envisions reduced costs and enhanced accessibility for patients suffering from genetic disorders.
Join Eric Kelsic as he dives deep into the science of gene therapy—a pivotal shift that could redefine our understanding of health and what it means to live with a genetic condition. This video is a must-watch for anyone interested in the future of medicine and genetic technology.
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“Until very recently, I thought I would die with the same genome that I was born with.”
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What if the genome you were born with wasn’t fixed? Eric Kelsic, CEO of Dyno Therapeutics, explains how gene therapy is moving from promise to reality, delivering treatments directly to cells and potentially curing diseases for a lifetime.
0:00 The power of genetic technology
1:17 Meet Eric Kelsic
1:31 Making gene therapy mainstream
2:26 Engineering the capsid sequence
4:34 Producing and purifying capsids at scale
7:50 Automating the analysis of patterns
9:55 Permanent cures
10:26 Zolgensma
12:19 Improving cost efficiency in gene therapy
Read the video transcript ► https://bigthink.com/series/the-big-think-interview/gene-therapy-kelsic/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=youtube_description
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About Eric Kelsic, PhD
Prior to founding Dyno, Eric led a team to develop the technology underlying Dyno’s artificial intelligence powered capsid engineering platform in George Church’s lab at the Wyss Institute of Harvard Medical School. There he measured the first comprehensive fitness landscape of the adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsid protein and co-discovered the AAV MAAP gene. He earned a PhD in Systems Biology from Harvard University and a BS in Physics from Caltech. Under Eric’s leadership Dyno has raised over $100M in VC financing, including a 2021 Series A led by a16z and signed partnership with world-leading gene therapy companies (Novartis, Sarepta, Roche, Spark and Astellas). Dyno was named Xconomy’s 2020 Startup of the Year and Eric was recognized as one of Endpoint’s 20 under 40 next-gen biotech leaders in 2021.
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Video “The science of delivering cures straight to your cells | Eric Kelsic” was uploaded on 12/01/2025 to Youtube Channel Big Think