Daniel O'Reilly, PhD, MRSC

University of Texas Medical Branch

Dr. Daniel O'Reilly, PhD in Chemistry from McGill University, is an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, where he leads research in oligonucleotide therapeutics. His lab is dedicated to advancing RNA-based therapeutics, focusing on innovative chemical modifications that enhance oligonucleotide stability, immune compatibility, and tissue-specific delivery. Dr. O'Reilly’s research aims to address rare and ultra-rare diseases, particularly Huntington's disease, and to develop targeted delivery solutions for tissues beyond the liver. Dr. O'Reilly has an extensive publication history, contributing to top journals like Nature Reviews Drug Discovery and Nucleic Acid Therapeutics. His work includes studies on chemical modifications of CRISPR systems for enhanced therapeutic efficacy, steric blocking in antisense oligonucleotides, and the use of di-valent siRNAs to inhibit repeat expansions in Huntington's disease models. His contributions to RNA chemistry and therapeutic development reflect his commitment to translating scientific advances into clinical solutions, particularly for underserved patient populations.