معرفی
Dr. Wassana Yantasee is a Research Professor at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) specializing in nanomedicine and cancer immunotherapy. She founded PDX Pharmaceuticals in 2010 to translate her patented nanoparticle platform into clinical applications, securing over $13 million in funding for preclinical and IND studies through OHSU collaborations.
Her research focuses on developing multifunctional nanoparticles for co-delivering siRNA, small molecules, antibodies, and antigens to combat cancer and infectious diseases. Key innovations include immune-modulating therapeutics that enhance antitumor responses while overcoming immunosuppression. She has served on approximately 40 NIH scientific review panels and mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom have advanced to prestigious academic and medical institutions.
Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals a dominant focus on breast and lung cancer immunotherapy using nanoparticle platforms. Her work consistently integrates siRNA delivery with conventional therapeutics (e.g., taxanes), targets immune checkpoints (PD-L1), and addresses drug resistance mechanisms. The research spans fundamental nanocarrier engineering to preclinical validation, with strong translational emphasis.
- Ronald L. Brodzinski Early Career Scientific Achievement Award (2007, PNNL)
- Council of Outstanding Early Career Engineers (2014, OSU)
Dr. Yantasee's laboratory has secured significant grant funding through PDX Pharmaceuticals and OHSU partnerships, supporting preclinical development of lead drug candidates. Her nanoparticle platform demonstrates versatility across therapeutic modalities, including radiation sensitization and heavy metal detoxification. She maintains active collaborations with OHSU's cancer research teams, notably with Dr. Joe W. Gray.
