Enhancing Gene Editing Outcomes And Safety for Clinical Translation With Next Generation Vectors

As gene editing programs progress toward clinical translation, the DNA constructs behind the edit are increasingly shaping success or failure. Conventional plasmid designs — often burdened by large bacterial backbones, antibiotic resistance markers, and extraneous elements—can undermine editing efficiency, compromise cell health, and introduce variability that becomes unacceptable in later-stage development.

Attention is shifting from the mechanics of the edit itself to the supporting vectors that determine consistency, safety, and durability of expression. Smarter construct design can reduce risk, improve reproducibility, and better align with clinical expectations.

This on‑demand session examines how vector architecture influences outcomes beyond the edit, with a focus on streamlined backbone design. It offers practical insight into how smaller, more efficient constructs can support stronger performance and more reliable downstream results as programs move closer to the clinic.

Speakers:

Dr. Tyler Kozisek | Senior Scientist II, Aldevron

Dr. Tyler Kozisek is a Senior Scientist II in R&D at Aldevron, where he leads the Nanoplasmid design team. With a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Dr. Kozisek brings a multidisciplinary approach to plasmid engineering. His doctoral research focused on optimizing nonviral gene delivery methods and plasmid design to enhance transfection efficiency in primary human mesenchymal stem cells. Today, he applies that expertise to advance the development of next-generation plasmid technologies, driving innovation in gene therapy and cell engineering.

Charissa Quinlan | Senior Director, Product Management – Nanoplasmid DNA, Aldevron

Charissa Quinlan is Senior Director of Product Management at Aldevron, where she currently leads the Nanoplasmid™ technology to support scalable, GMP-ready development and clinical translation of next generation therapeutics. She has deep expertise leading project, program, and strategic account management teams that drive client success through partnership from discovery through commercialization. Charissa holds her MBA from University of North Dakota, and MS from University of Notre Dame where she engineered targeted LNPs.