Inventor Profiles

Research area Research focuses on bacterial virulence factors, both as pathogens and pharmaceuticals, with an emphasis on Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum) and its neurotoxins. Botulinum neurotoxins are responsible for the severe neuroparalytic illness botulism and are also unique pharmaceuticals, widely used in various clinical applications globally. Current research explores the mechanisms regulating toxin production by C. botulinum and molecular mechanisms of toxin-host cell interaction; investigates countermeasures for botulism, such as vaccines and small molecule inhibitors; develops novel BoNT-based pharmaceuticals; refines production methods for existing BoNT-based pharmaceuticals; and conducts food safety studies.

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What excites you about your work? 

“The biotech industry is advancing at such a rapid pace, and I’m excited to be at the forefront of this development. I get to collaborate with brilliant minds to explore innovations for the betterment of human health, which is incredibly exciting. Additionally, I find great joy in training the next generation of scientists. I’m grateful to be working at a university that encourages innovation and collaboration, and the support from WARF has been invaluable to my lab.”

What do you hope to achieve? 

“I would be proud to make a real difference to better society and human health. One of my past achievements was developing a cell-based assay to replace mouse bioassays for the release of pharmaceutical BoNTs. This assay was patented in 2012 and licensed by a company and is now used widely, significantly reducing the number of animals used for pharmaceutical BoNT release and for research, which is a tangible difference. I also take great pride in the successes of people I train. If I see a trainee have a successful career in academia or biotech, that is a huge win.”

Prof. Pellett is a world-renowned expert in botulinum toxin research and development. WARF holds a significant patent and material estate arising from her work. We have several exciting opportunities in novel toxin development programs.

– Andy DeTienne, WARF, Director of Licensing