Contact
Visiting Researcher, VPR Research
- afallah@ualberta.ca
- Availability
- Best reached by email; open for meetings Thu 8 am – 3 pm (MT)
Overview
Area of Study / Keywords
Primary: RNA Medicine Cell and Gene Therapy Cellular Reprogramming Regenerative medicine RNA therapeutics Skeletal genetics. Secondary: Protein replacement therapy mRNA stability & immunogenicity Rare bone disorders Aging biology AI-driven bio-design
About
Dr. Asghar (Mardin) Fallah is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Medical Genetics at the University of Alberta, working in collaboration with Dr. Peter Kannu’s lab. His research focuses on developing RNA-based platforms and bone-targeted delivery systems to enable long-acting, low-dose protein therapies for age-related and genetic skeletal disorders. By integrating molecular genetics, nanomedicine, and AI-guided design, his work aims to advance treatments for conditions such as osteoporosis, achondroplasia, and other rare bone diseases.
Research
- Lead, RNARevive Platform: engineering RNA vectors with enhanced stability and reduced innate-immune activation.
- In vivo bone repair program: evaluating RNA-driven cell reprogramming using bone-specific transcription factors in SCID mouse models.
- AI-guided construct design: collaboration with U.S. biotech partners to predict optimal RNA secondary structure.
- Upcoming goals (2025–27): complete IND-enabling studies for OsteoRevive™; expand pipeline to antibody and enzyme replacement candidates.
Announcements
Summer 2026: seeking a PhD or MSc student with experience in RNA biology or nanomedicine.
Research Students
Currently accepting undergraduate students for research project supervision.
Dr. Mardin Fallah welcomes undergraduate students interested in RNA therapeutics, regenerative medicine, and gene delivery. Activities include hands-on involvement in ongoing research projects, supervision, and participation in lectures and seminars. To apply, please email afallah@ualberta.ca with the following: 1. Your CV 2. Unofficial transcript 3. A brief statement (<300 words) on your interest in RNA-based therapeutics Opportunities are available for honours theses, individual study, or summer students. Prior lab experience is an asset but not required—enthusiasm, critical thinking, and a willingness to learn are essential.