Harsha Rohira

About

I am a passionate and multidisciplinary life sciences researcher with expertise in gene editing, non-viral delivery systems, and peptide-mediated drug delivery. Currently a Scientist at Helex Inc., I work on CRISPR/Cas9-based mutation-agnostic gene editing approaches targeting kidney-related indications, while also heading the lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation team, focused on the development and in vivo testing of non-viral gene delivery platforms.

I earned my Ph.D. from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, where I developed novel cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) based therapeutics for ocular drug delivery, including therapeutic strategies for Fungal Keratitis and Keratoconus. This innovative research has been featured in high-impact journals and recognized in national press for its translational potential.

I have previously contributed to phage-based antimycobacterial therapies and have a strong foundation in molecular biology, mammalian and microbial cell culture, nanoparticle characterization, and in vivo animal models. My academic and industrial projects span diverse areas—from recombinant protein purification and CRISPR transfections to corneal collagen crosslinking and antifungal therapeutics.

Employment

• Helex Scientist
  2022 - Present

Education

• Panjab University M.Sc.
  2011 - 2013
• University of Delhi B.Sc
  2008 - 2011

Projects & Funding

Projects & funding information is unavailable.

Publications (9)

• RiTe conjugate mediated corneal collagen crosslinking, a novel therapeutic intervention for keratoconus – in vitro and in vivo study
  International Journal of Pharmaceutics 2024 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124092
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• Peptide cargo administration: current state and applications
  Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 2023 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12512-5
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• Enhanced in vivo antifungal activity of novel cell penetrating peptide natamycin conjugate for efficient fungal keratitis management
  International Journal of Pharmaceutics 2021 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120484
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• Antimicrobial Studies of in-vitro Propagated Three Mentha Species on Novel Media.
  International Journal of Applied Agricultural Research 2017
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• Molecular Studies of in-vitro Propagated Three Mentha species on “KFA+” Media
  International Journal of Applied Agricultural Research 2017
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• Building a repository of potential drug targets in Mycobacterium tuberculosis by crowdsourcing
  DU Journal of Undergraduate Research and Innovation 2015
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• Nanotechnology: Revolutionizing Agricultural Sector.
  The Botanica: magazine of Delhi University Botanical Society 2015
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• Crowd Sourcing a New Paradigm for Interactome Driven Drug Target Identification in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
  PLOS one 2012
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• Differential-Pulse Anodic Stripping Voltametry (DPASV) Determination of Lead (Pb) Heavy Metal in Blood.
  The Indian Police Journal (BPRD) 2011
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