CGT Catapult backs AI platform for gene therapy delivery
pharmafile | May 12, 2026 | News story | | Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult
Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGT Catapult) is providing investment to UK biotech company Lir Therapeutics to support development of its artificial intelligence-driven adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsid design platform.
The funding comes through the Innovate UK Cross Catapult Investment Pilot and will support biological validation of the company’s nAAVigator platform, alongside generation of additional datasets aimed at attracting pharma partners and investors.
AAV capsids are used in gene therapies as delivery vehicles that transport genetic material into target cells. Existing AAV-based therapies have shown clinical success in areas including neuromuscular and retinal disease, although challenges remain around manufacturing, potency, immunogenicity and off-target effects.
Lir Therapeutics, founded in 2024, said its platform is designed to help address some of these limitations by using an AI-driven “lab-in-the-loop” process to develop bespoke capsid variants tailored to different therapeutic applications.
Alongside financial support, CGT Catapult will provide guidance intended to help align the platform with the priorities of pharmaceutical companies and biotech investors.
Killian Hanlon, Chief Executive of Lir Therapeutics, said current viral vector technologies “aren’t where we need them to be” and limiting broader progress in gene therapy. He added that the investment would help the company advance its aims.
“Overall, this investment represents a springboard opportunity for Lir to advance its pipeline and fuel our commercial development,” said Hanlon.
Matthew Durdy, chief executive of CGT Catapult, added that improved AAV capsids could support development of gene therapies “that are safer, more targeted and easier to manufacture at scale”.
Gene therapies are being investigated across a growing range of disease areas, including neurological, cardiac and kidney conditions, but delivery technology remains a key challenge for wider adoption and scalability.
