Biography

She is a distinguished scientist and entrepreneur specializing in nanoparticle technology. Born in Tehran, Iran, Dr. Saffie-Siebert’s journey in science began with a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences followed by postgraduate studies in Drug Delivery at the University of London. Her pioneering work in silicon-based drug delivery and the invention of Bio-Courier® technology have made significant contributions to the field. Since founding SiSaf Limited in 2008, where she serves as Chief Executive Officer and Chairwoman, Dr. Saffie-Siebert has become a key figure in advancing nanoparticle technology for drug delivery. She is also a Visiting Professor at the University of Ulster.

📍Current Position

She is the Chief Executive Officer and Chairwoman of SiSaf Limited, a company renowned for its innovative Bio-Courier® technology. Under her leadership, SiSaf has established itself as a leader in nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems. Dr. Saffie-Siebert’s role involves strategic oversight, guiding research and development, and fostering partnerships to enhance the global impact of SiSaf’s technologies.

📝Publication Achievements 

Her research has been widely published in high-impact journals. Some of her notable publications include: Saffie-Siebert, S., Alam, I., Sutera, F.M. et al. (2024). Effect of Allele-Specific Clcn7G213R siRNA Delivered Via a Novel Nanocarrier on Bone Phenotypes in ADO2 Mice on 129S Background. Calcified Tissue Int, 115, 85–96. doi:10.1007/s00223-024-01222-3 Saffie-Siebert, S., Gibson, A., & Dehsorkhi, A. (2023). Bio-Courier: a new delivery technology to increase the global accessibility of RNA therapeutics. Manufacturing Chemist. Link Maurizi, A., Patrizii, P., Teti, A., Sutera, F. M., Baran-Rachwalska, P., Burns, C., … Saffie-Siebert, S. (2023). Novel hybrid silicon-lipid nanoparticles deliver a siRNA to cure autosomal dominant osteopetrosis in mice. Molecular Therapy – Nucleic Acids, 33, 925–937. doi:10.1016/j.omtn.2023.08.020

🔍Ongoing Research 

Her current research focuses on advancing the Bio-Courier® technology for nucleic acid-based medicines. Her work involves: Nucleic Acid Therapies: Developing novel siRNA and mRNA-based therapies, especially in the context of ocular diseases and rare genetic conditions such as Osteopetrosis ADO2.

🔬Research Interests 

Her research interests are diverse and include the Hybrid Nanoparticle Systems: Investigating the use of silicon-lipid hybrid nanoparticles for enhanced drug delivery and gene therapy. Partnerships and Collaborations: Working with institutions like the University of Leipzig on miRNA-based therapies for solid tumors, including pancreatic cancer.

🎓Academic Background 

She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences and her postgraduate studies in Drug Delivery at the University of London. Her early research focused on the high-yield incorporation of plasmid DNA into liposomes, setting the stage for her later innovations in drug delivery technologies.

🏆Scholarships and Awards 

She has accomplished significant tasks including: Development of Bio-Courier® Technology: A novel nanoparticle system for drug delivery. Strategic Leadership at SiSaf Ltd: Guiding the company’s R&D and commercial strategies. Partnerships and Collaborations: Establishing strategic alliances to enhance the application of her technologies.

🚀Success Factors 

Her success can be attributed to her innovative approach, strategic vision, and ability to integrate advanced scientific research with practical applications. Her entrepreneurial spirit and leadership have been crucial in advancing nanoparticle technology for therapeutic use.

🧪Publications & Laboratory Experience

Her  laboratory experience and publications highlight her expertise in nanoparticle-based drug delivery. Her research on silicon-lipid hybrid nanoparticles and their applications in gene therapy showcases her leadership in the field. The breadth of her work, from foundational research to practical applications, underscores her significant contributions to advancing medical science through nanotechnology.