The Wistar Institute

Scientists at The Wistar Institute have developed an innovative single-dose DNA delivery method that could revolutionize how we treat type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Currently, popular incretin-mimicking drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy require weekly injections or daily pills because they break down quickly in the body. This creates hurdles for patient access and long-term compliance, often leading to a rebound in weight gain and blood glucose issues once treatment stops.

Led by Dr. Ebony Gary, a research assistant professor in the laboratory of Dr. David B. Weiner, Wistar researchers engineered DNA instructions that appears to prompt a patient’s own cells to continuously produce these therapeutic proteins. In preclinical models, a single dose of this DNA construct produced metabolic improvements and sustained weight loss for up to 70 days, lasting up to 10 times longer than current therapies.

Read more about this breakthrough and where the science is headed: https://bit.ly/4oL7w1C

The latest edition of The Wistar Institute’s magazine, Focus, is now available online! Learn about our recent research discoveries, our newest researchers, our expanding high school education & training programs, and the individuals and organizations that help make our research happen.

Visit now: www.wistarfocus.org

Pennsylvania was well represented at the BIO International Convention in San Diego this week.

Wistar’s Dr. Heather Steinman, SVP of Business Development, was joined by Wistar Board of Trustees member Dr. Patrick Oakes; Rebecca Grant, Director of Life Sciences & Innovation at the Philadelphia Department of Commerce; Bonnie Grant, Executive Director of PHL Life Sciences; Dr. Bryan Tsao, Director of Business Development at BioAnalysis & Program Director at BioStrategy Partners; and Melissa Callum, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Life Sciences Pennsylvania.

Together, they showcased why Pennsylvania and the Greater Philadelphia region is an ideal hub for biomedical research and the life sciences!

We’re thrilled to welcome our second cohort of the NIIMBL eXperience @ Wistar!

This all-expenses-paid, immersive weeklong program is designed for first- and second-year college students to explore careers in the biopharmaceutical industry through hands-on training, mentoring, networking, and career-focused discussions.

Wistar was one of just five locations selected to host a NIIMBL eXperience in 2026, offering a unique opportunity to inspire the next generation of biotech leaders.

🔗 Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3EJ8Pvy

Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News named Greater Philadelphia among the country’s leading biopharma hubs—driven by strong growth in lab space, NIH funding, venture capital, and innovation output.

For more than a century, Wistar has helped shape the region’s scientific identity—advancing discoveries in cancer, immunology, and infectious disease, and serving as a key anchor in the region’s thriving life sciences community.

As the biopharma landscape continues to evolve, Philadelphia’s momentum reflects the power of collaboration, deep scientific roots, and sustained investment in innovation.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4eNnMvL

Don't miss a chance to hear from industry leaders like Wistar’s Dr. Heather Steinman, SVP of Business Development, during the MADV Summer Venture Forum lunch panel, “The Ins and Outs of Angel Investing," on June 18.

Whether you’re curious about supporting early-stage, high-potential startups or already active in the investment space, this is a great opportunity to gain insights and make connections.

📅 June 18, 2026
🕛12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
📍Innovation Nest, 3223 N. Broad St., Suite 490, Philadelphia, PA

A big thank-you to MADV and BioStrategy Partners for bringing together this timely and informative event. Register today: https://bit.ly/4v35zQA

The start of Wistar's High School Program in Biomedical Research is right around the corner! Students in this program have big dreams for launching their careers, advancing biomedical science, and improving the health of their communities and the world.

These future scientists and researchers are gaining hands-on experience in Wistar’s state-of-the-art training lab. They’re not just talking about research – they’re actually performing experiments and contributing to real biomedical discoveries, learning about science at the cellular level.

Now in its 26th year, Wistar’s high school program is fostering a lifelong curiosity and love of science, and propelling some of our brightest young stars into scientific careers.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/456Ccky

Wistar’s HIV Cure and Viral Diseases Center was pleased to participate in Philadelphia FIGHT’s 2026 HIV Education Summit, where Caspar Wistar Fellow Dr. Vincent Wu joined the panel “From Hope to Progress: A Cure Research Update from BEAT-HIV.”

Since 1990, Philadelphia FIGHT—a comprehensive health services organization—has supported individuals facing health disparities through specialized care, clinical research, education, and more.

Through the BEAT-HIV and iCure HIV consortia, Wistar collaborates with leading researchers nationwide to advance innovative strategies toward an HIV cure. Learn more: https://bit.ly/46Yi9Yl

Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News highlighted Dr. Katherine Aird’s recently published study in Nature uncovering why some ovarian cancers resist chemotherapy — and how to fight back.

This research could lead to new combination therapies and renewed hope for patients facing some of the toughest ovarian cancer diagnoses. 💜

Read more: https://bit.ly/4x5iPpr