Jorge Omar Yanez-Cuna

Led R&D for a rapidly evolving biotech developing non-viral gene delivery and novel DNA technologies. The latter became the core value driver behind its acquisition by National Resilience. I left the company following the relocation of the technology and operations to the USA. - Identified poor translation between in vitro, in vivo models as a critical blocker and designed a multi-omics pipeline to screen 20–40 LNP formulations directly in NHPs. - Built a multidisciplinary team of 10+ scientists.

Senior scientific role within a pioneering gene therapy (rAAV) company. Directly contributed to two indications now in clinical trials and to AskBio’s acquisition by Bayer for $2Bn. - Led the design and development of AAV regulatory elements using AI/ML, bioinformatics and multi-omics to support multiple programmes. - Owned preclinical design and execution for muscle and cardiac gene therapies, with additional contributions to liver and CNS programmes.

Joined a growing biotech to build the scientific pipeline underpinning its gene therapy partnerships and commercial strategy. The platform formed the scientific foundation for Synpromics’ acquisition by AskBio. - Built the core scientific pipeline integrating AI/ML, multi-omics and preclinical validation to design synthetic promoters for gene therapy. - Delivered nine client programmes across multiple tissues, maintaining alignment with partners such as BioMarin, AGTC, and Solid Biosciences.

Working with Bas van Steensel, focusing on gene regulation and multi-omics technology development in a world-class cancer research institute. - Established high-throughput multi-omics screening assays using CRISPR-based and transposon technologies. - Published multiple peer-reviewed papers, including work in Cell, advancing understanding of chromatin organisation.

Working with Alexander Stark, pioneered early applications of AI/ML to decode gene regulation using multi-omics data, contributing to the development of STARR-seq and publishing in Nature. - Awarded VBC PhD Award for Outstanding Thesis.