Dr. Messmer and his team at University of California, San Diego are transforming the targeting of cancer cells by inventing, validating, and commercializing novel technologies. They have developed particles larger and more powerful than typical drugs to latch onto cancer cells. Dr. Messmer's academic research work has focused on the application of novel technologies to problems in cancer diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment. He is passionate about bringing several disciplines together in his research including biology, biochemistry, informatics and engineering, in order to find real world solutions to critical problems in oncology.

• Recently, Dr. Messmer and his colleagues have developed a novel DNA nanoparticle platform that may have revolutionary applications in cancer therapy, immunotherapy, and vaccine development.

• These DeNAno particles, as they have been named, specifically recognize cancer cells through multiple interactions with cell surface proteins, and offer greater specificity for effective cancer therapy with minimal side effects.

• Initial development is focused on leukemia, with solid tumor therapy in breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancer to follow.

This research has the potential to change the methods of cancer detection and treatment, as well as the existence of fake pharmaceuticals used to treat countless ailments. Dr. Messmer has two patents pending and several entrepreneurial initiatives that have stemmed from the commercial possibilities of his research. He founded Abreos Biosciences, a company that combats the growing problem of counterfeit drug treatments by testing for correct, active pharmaceuticals and providing quality assurance at the pharmacy or bedside. Following the invention of the DeNAno technology, Dr. Messmer co-founded Uroboros Technologies with students and researchers from the Scripps Research Institute and the Moores University of California, San Diego Cancer Center.