ViSci licenses Eye-D technology for delivery to the eye; Silence Therapeutics awarded 2 new patents;

> In its preclinical VT301 program, ViThera Pharmaceuticals is developing engineered probiotic bugs that express elafin to help patients with active disease achieve remission faster and patients in remission to avoid flare-ups. The modified food-grade lactic acid bacteria, developed by French academics and licensed exclusively to ViThera, delivered the protein directly to the areas of inflamed gut in mice with acute and chronic colitis, reducing inflammation markers. Press release (PDF) | Abstract

> ViSci has entered into an option agreement with Novaer to license the Eye-D technology for further development of a sub-conjunctival drug implant for the controlled release of ophthalmic medications. Press release

> Silence Therapeutics has been awarded two new patents covering interfering RNA molecules and lipid complexes used in drug delivery. Article

> A gold nanoparticle platform delivers functional microRNAs into cancer cells. Abstract

> MS2 virus-like particles could act as delivery systems. Abstract

And Finally… Ryan Donnelly of Queen's University Belfast has been awarded the 2012 GlaxoSmithKline Emerging Scientist Award; Donnelly has developed needleless and painless microneedle injections. Press release