Bridget Bax

Dr Bridget Bax is a Reader in Rare Diseases at St. George's University of London and Deputy Head of Molecular and Clinical Science Section within the Neurosciences and Cell Biology Research Institute. She also serves as a visiting professor at London Metropolitan University's School of Human Sciences. With over two decades of research experience, Dr Bax specializes in understanding the molecular mechanisms of rare diseases and developing cell-based therapies for their treatment, with a particular focus on mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy (MNGIE).

Dr Bax earned her B.Sc. (Hons) in Biochemistry from Royal Holloway, University of London, followed by a Ph.D. in Medicine from the Royal Postgraduate Medical School. After a postdoctoral position at St George's, she was appointed Senior Research Fellow in 2002 and became a Reader in Rare Diseases in 2013.

Her research spans multiple areas within rare disease science, with emphasis on:

• Development of erythrocyte-mediated enzyme replacement therapies for MNGIE
• Creation of iPSC-derived neuronal cell lines and 3D organoid models for studying MNGIE
• Identification and validation of miRNA biomarkers in patient body fluids
• Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying rare inherited metabolic disorders

Analysis of Dr Bax's recent publications reveals a strong focus on biomarkers for rare diseases, particularly MNGIE, with significant contributions to understanding disease mechanisms and developing therapeutic approaches. Her work bridges basic science with clinical applications, demonstrating translational research at its best.

Dr Bax is an elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology (Chartered Biologist) and maintains active memberships in the Biochemical Society, Society for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism, and International Society for Extracellular Vesicles.

As Postgraduate Coordinator for MPhil/PhD students, Dr Bax supervises numerous research projects and provides academic guidance to students. Her research has been supported by substantial funding from organizations including the Medical Research Council, The Lily Foundation, and Neovii.

Dr Bax leads a research team focused on rare diseases, collaborating with international researchers and industry partners to advance understanding and treatment of conditions like MNGIE. Her work with erythrocyte encapsulated thymidine phosphorylase (EE-TP) represents a promising therapeutic approach currently in clinical development.