Vyriad’s G-Link Wins 2026 BioTech Breakthrough Award for “Gene Therapy Delivery Solution of the Year”

The BioTech Breakthrough Awards recognize innovation across the life sciences industry with winners evaluated on criteria including innovation, performance, ease of use, and impact.

G-Link is a first-in-class modular protein adaptor that links the VSV-G glycoprotein on lentiviral vectors to the CD3 receptor on T cells, masking native tropism and redirecting delivery to CD3+ T cells without complex vector redesign. When added directly to existing vectors, G-Link enables in vivo CAR T generation and streamlines ex vivo T-cell activation and transduction by combining both processes into a single step while preserving established vector manufacturing processes.

“Targeted delivery should be simple, accessible, and enable therapeutic development, rather than add another layer of complexity,” said Luke Russell, Ph.D., MBA, president of Vyriad. “G-Link was created to help more groups explore promising therapeutic ideas using established vectors and workflows. The progress behind the platform reflects contributions from our team and collaborators, including Prof. Menachem Rubinstein, Ph.D. of the Weizmann Institute and scientists at Imanis Life Sciences, who share our goal of making targeted delivery more accessible.”

Preclinical studies showed that G-Link-capped lentiviral vectors carrying an anti-BCMA CAR construct achieved potent tumor control across all treated mice in a disseminated multiple myeloma model, with the majority achieving complete tumor clearance. Additional studies demonstrated efficient, T cell-specific gene editing using Cas9-carrying engineered virus-like particles, highlighting the platform’s versatility across distinct therapeutic modalities.

“Different therapeutic applications require delivery to different cells,” said Kah-Whye Peng, Ph.D., chief technology officer of Vyriad. “G-Link’s modular design creates an opportunity to explore additional cell targets and payloads to bring the same targeting approach to a broader range of therapeutic applications.”

Vyriad continues to advance G-Link toward clinical translation, while expanding access to the technology for research applications. G-Link is commercially available through Imanis Life Sciences. Vyriad is also currently offering an evaluation program for select researchers interested in exploring its potential. To learn more about the technology and evaluation program, visit Vyriad’s G-Link page.

About Vyriad

Vyriad is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing targeted genetic medicines for cancer and other serious diseases. The company uses engineered viruses, viral vectors, and viral envelope glycoproteins to deliver therapeutic genes directly to selected cells. Vyriad’s programs include oncolytic virotherapy, in vivo gene therapy, and gene editing applications, with ongoing Phase 1–2 trials in multiple cancer indications. Vyriad is a privately held company based in Rochester, Minnesota.

About the 2026 BioTech Breakthrough Awards

The annual BioTech Breakthrough Awards is presented by BioTech Breakthrough, a leading independent market intelligence organization that recognizes standout life sciences and biotechnology companies, products and services around the globe.