With the rapid advancement of biomedical science, a wide spectrum of therapeutic modalities, including small molecules, protein drugs, cell-based therapies, and nucleic acid medicines, have emerged. While these agents offer substantial promise for treating diverse diseases, many continue to face significant hurdles in clinical translation. Key challenges such as poor stability, limited targeting efficiency, and off-target toxicity often compromise therapeutic efficacy and safety.

Our research focuses on the development of advanced drug delivery systems and their translation into clinical applications. By enabling precise, spatiotemporally controlled delivery of therapeutic agents, we aim to improve their pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and tissue specificity. Ultimately, we seek to overcome critical druggability barriers and accelerate the clinical deployment of next-generation therapies.

1. Design of Drug Delivery Systems

We focus on the rational design and engineering of drug delivery carriers using methods such as controlled polymerization, molecular co-assembly, and supramolecular self-organization. Particular emphasis is placed on aliphatic polyesters and small-molecule lipids due to their biocompatibility, structural tunability, and translational potential. A central goal is to precisely control the self-assembly of these materials under physiological conditions to form nanostructures with defined size, morphology, and stability. In parallel, we incorporate stimulus-responsive elements and cell- or tissue-targeting ligands to enable controlled release and selective accumulation. By integrating principles from polymer chemistry, nanotechnology, and disease biology, we aim to construct multifunctional platforms that effectively navigate biological barriers and enhance therapeutic outcomes in cancer, autoimmune diseases, and infectious disorders.

2. In Vivo Fate of Drug Delivery Systems

We systematically investigate the in vivo behavior and fate of drug delivery systems using advanced imaging and analytical tools, including intravital fluorescence microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and synchrotron radiation-based imaging. Our studies focus on how delivery systems interact with physiological and immune barriers, such as the mononuclear phagocyte system (especially in the liver and spleen), vascular endothelium, and immune cell subsets. We analyze circulation kinetics, biodistribution profiles, cellular uptake mechanisms, and clearance pathways to elucidate the principles that govern delivery efficiency and target-site accumulation. These mechanistic insights guide the rational optimization of carrier design to improve therapeutic precision and minimize systemic toxicity.

3. Clinical Translation of Drug Delivery Systems

We are dedicated to translating innovative drug delivery technologies into clinical practice through an integrated development strategy. This includes comprehensive pharmaceutical development (CMC), regulatory pathway planning, clinical trial execution, and the establishment of cross-disciplinary project teams. We pursue both proprietary and collaborative programs, with a particular focus on RNA-based therapeutics and small-molecule drugs for the treatment of cancer, autoimmune diseases, and other high-burden conditions. In partnership with multinational pharmaceutical companies, we explore co-development and out-licensing opportunities. Additionally, we prioritize scalable manufacturing processes, excipient quality control, and GMP-compliant production to ensure consistency, safety, and clinical readiness. Our goal is to bridge the gap between laboratory innovation and patient benefit through scientifically rigorous and operationally feasible translation.