Abhichart Krissanaprasit

We built an RNA origami (RNAO) platform to solve a real problem in anticoagulation. Our lead program pairs an intravenous anticoagulant, HEX01, with an on-demand reversal agent, HEX02. I directed the program from molecular design through preclinical development. I designed the RNAO platform, ran in vitro and in vivo efficacy studies, and built the bioanalytical method used to track drug levels in plasma, HELISA, a hybridization-based ELISA that became our core PK platform after LC-MS/MS and RT-qPCR both fell short for this molecule. I directed tech transfer of RNA production to our CDMO partner, scaling the process from bench scale to 500 mL non-GLP engineering batches, and coordinated a network of seven CRO, CDMO, and academic partners spanning toxicology, manufacturing, and regulatory strategy. I served as Principal Investigator on our NIH SBIR award (~$2M, Direct-to-Phase II), shaped our pre-RFD briefing package and Target Product Profile, and represented the company at our FDA pre-RFD meeting. Co-inventor on an issued US patent and a pending application in nucleic acid therapeutics.

Directed two R&D teams simultaneously as Associate Director, managing 6 PhD-level scientists across internal and collaborative lines while reporting to the C-suite. LFA team: led development of an ultrasensitive lateral flow assay for SARS-CoV-2 detection, from design through optimization to testing on patient samples. LNP team: built the bioanalytical and QC framework for aptamer-functionalized lipid nanoparticles. Ran dynamic light scattering and zeta potential to characterize particle size and surface charge, and RiboGreen assay to quantify RNA encapsulation efficiency. Developed bioconjugation chemistry linking aptamers and antibodies to nanoparticle surfaces, including NHS-ester and thiol-maleimide conjugation, and built a dual-staining method to confirm site-specific conjugation without in-house mass spec access. Presented at the Controlled Release Society Annual Meeting 2023: "Aptamers as Programmable Targeting Ligands on Lipid Nanoparticles for Targeted Delivery." Received Best Poster Award.

Developed a lateral flow assay for SARS-CoV-2 detection with signal amplification using a DNA/gold nanoparticle network, targeting ultrasensitive detection.

Provided scientific consulting in nucleic acid technology and aptamer-based assay development. Supported early-stage platform development in DNA and RNA origami for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications

Conducted foundational research in RNA origami therapeutics in Professor Thomas LaBean's lab at NC State, designing, producing, and selecting the RNA origami aptamer that became HEX01, a direct thrombin inhibitor, and its reversal agent HEX02. This work became the translational foundation for Helixomer. Led the BIOMOD 2018 NanoWolves team, six undergraduate researchers, to 2nd place internationally with a functional RNA origami anticoagulant and antidote system. Co-inventor on the resulting nucleic acid therapeutic patent (US Patent 12,553,054). Published as first author in Advanced Materials, Advanced Healthcare Materials, and Molecular Therapy, and as invited first author in Chemical Reviews.

Conducted DNA nanotechnology research in Professor Kurt Gothelf's lab, focused on organizing conductive polymer-DNA conjugates on DNA origami scaffolds for nanoelectronic applications. Ran AFM and TEM as primary structural characterization tools across a range of materials, including proteins, polymers, gold nanoparticles, and DNA origami, and trained lab members on both techniques. This characterization work led to a collaborative co-authorship in Nature Microbiology. Published as first author in ACS Nano, and as co-author in Nature Nanotechnology, Angewandte Chemie, Nature Microbiology, and Chemical Communications.

Developed a multiplexed DNA detection platform using tweezer-like DNA (TW-DNA) nanostructures in a one-pot reaction. The system enabled simultaneous detection of three DNA targets using fluorescence quenching with no cross-talk between targets, achieving submicromolar sensitivity within one minute. Published: Lertanantawong, Krissanaprasit et al., Materials Science for Energy Technologies, 2019.

Conducted research in Prof. Kurt Gothelf's lab on autonomous DNA walkers on DNA origami platforms. Engineered a system using gold nanoparticles as cargo and DNA as walking units, powered by additional DNA sequences acting as external energy sources. Used DNA origami to create pre-designed nanoplatform tracks for controlling molecular movement.

Dissertation: Multiplexed DNA detection platforms using DNA nanostructures, including RGB color-coded Y-DNA structures for simultaneous tri-analyte detection, and fluorophore-modified DNA nanostructures for biosensing applications. Supervised by Professor Werasak Surareungchai. Completed a visiting research project at Aarhus University (2012 - 2013), studying autonomous DNA walkers on DNA origami. Won the Merck Millipore Young Scientist Award, 2012, for this work.

Trained in biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, and cytogenetics. Thesis focused on chromosomal analysis using fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH).

First-Class Honors