The Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine is hosting the 6th edition of the James Best Distinguished Lecture with Professor Pieter Cullis on 25 February 2026.
Dr. Pieter Cullis OC is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of British Columbia (UBC). He is recognised for making fundamental advances in the generation, loading and targeting of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) systems for intravenous delivery of small molecule drugs and genetic drugs. These efforts have led to 5 approved LNP drugs (Abelcet, Myocet, Marqibo, Onpattro and Comirnaty). Dr. Cullis has co-founded and served on the board of more than 10 companies to commercialise his research in nanomedicines. These include the Canadian Liposome Company, Inex Pharmaceuticals (now Arbutus Biopharma), Northern Lipids Inc. (now Evonik Canada), Acuitas Therapeutics and Precision NanoSystems. He also founded and led pan-Canada research centres including the Centre for Drug Research and Development (2004-2010), and NanoMedicines Innovation Network (2019-2021) to advance academic research, commercialisation and training of the next generation scientists. Dr. Cullis has received many awards throughout his career; notably in 2021-2022 for his contribution in the Covid-19 vaccine, he was awarded Prince Mahidol Award, VinFuture Prize Grand Prize, Canada Gairdner International Award and Governor General's Innovation Award. Dr. Cullis is an Officer of the Royal Society of Canada. He is author on over 400 publications and inventor on over 100 patents.
Delivery of nucleic acid-based drugs into target cells in vivo has been a major challenge for enabling gene therapies. This barrier is now being overcome due in part to advances made in lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery systems. LNP systems enable the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and there are now a host of LNP RNA-based vaccines and therapeutics in clinical development. Advantages of LNP RNA systems over other delivery vectors include safety, ability to re-dose, essentially unlimited genetic cargo, ease of design, straightforward manufacturing processes, lower cost, and potential for highly personalised targeted therapeutics that can be developed in a matter of weeks. In this talk, Professor Cullis will discuss the evolution of lipid nanoparticles and lead examples of therapeutic applications of LNP RNA systems to treat infectious disease, rare genetic diseases and chronic diseases including cancer and cardiovascular disease.
This event brings together thought leaders and industry experts to address thought-provoking issues in medicine, and foster dialogue in the transformation of medical research and health. Come join us at the 6th edition of the James Best Distinguished Lecture Series. This lecture series is supported by the LKCMedicine 10th Anniversary (2020) Distinguished Visitor programme.
*This lecture will be held in-person only and is pending CME accreditation from the Singapore Medical Council (SMC).