Illendula Group

Anuradha Illendula Ph.D.

Research Assistant Professor of Medicine Hem-Onc

Director of Research NanoSTAR

Dr. Anuradha Illendula Ph.D. is a synthetic organic chemist specializing in medicinal chemistry. After having joined The Kester Lab, her focus evolved to the development of nanotherapeutic platforms and protein-protein interaction inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates, serving as the basis for the future of medicinal chemistry. Now, as the director of research, the lab group facilitates NanoSTAR concierge services and additional collaborations with research clinicians working at UVA.

The nanoparticles we are developing are made of electrolytes, lipids, polymers, metals, or combinations thereof. The current focus is on spherical PEGylated structures like liposomes, lipid nanoparticles, polymer nanoparticles and lipopolymers for long half-lives. The nanoparticles are used for the targeted drug delivery to deliver oligonucleotide based drugs, peptides, and conventional small molecule drugs. We have shown platforms accommodating miRNAs, siRNAs, shRNAs, sgRNAs, mRNAs, and pDNAs. Our nanoformulations are targeted through ligand, antibody, or aptamer conjugations for various applications. The lab is also working on targeted nanoparticles with different drug combinations as well as antibody-drug conjugates.

We are focused on the clinical translation of these nano-drugs, hence why we work closely with clinicians and researchers to see the suitability of the nano-drugs for an efficient improved treatment. We aim to make nanomedical platforms to solve the problems specifically highlighted to us by clinicians.