Building a Global Platform for the Future of Genetic Medicine
Born from pioneering research at University College Dublin, Branca Bunús advances proprietary hyperbranched biodegradable HPAE polymer technology to power the next generation of safe, scalable non-viral gene delivery and transformative genetic medicines.
From Discovery to Delivery — A Complete Innovation Journey
The HPAE gene delivery platform originated from breakthrough research led by Professor Wenxin Wang at UCD. Founded in 2019, Branca Bunús matured the technology through years of R&D, before entering a strategic global commercial partnership with PolyGene to scale transfection reagent supply, freeing BrB to prioritise novel in-vivo therapeutic development.
Founding narrative
Founded by Professor Wenxin Wang (Inventor & CSO) and Dr Hongyun Tai (CEO), Branca Bunús unites world-class biomaterials science with global entrepreneurial leadership, dedicated to translating lab discoveries into therapies that improve patient quality of life.
Academic discovery
UCD research origin
Professor Wenxin Wang’s laboratory at University College Dublin pioneers hyperbranched poly(β-amino ester) biodegradable polymer architecture.
2019
Branca Bunús incorporated
Founded by Professor Wenxin Wang and Dr Hongyun Tai as a UCD spin-out with a dual scientific and entrepreneurial mission.
2020–2025
Platform scientific maturation
Full HPAE platform maturation, reagent product development, ISO and FDA regulatory filings and global client validation.
2026
Commercial translation with PolyGene
Exclusive global commercial partnership established with PolyGene Biotech for the transfection reagent portfolio.
Roadmap
Global therapeutic pipeline development
Accelerated development of BrB101 and BrB202 rare disease gene therapy programmes and next-generation HPAE polymer iterations.
Inside an HPAE delivery event
- 1
Genetic cargo
mRNA, siRNA, plasmid DNA or CRISPR ribonucleoproteins are presented to the HPAE polymer in a chemically defined, animal-component-free medium.
- 2
HPAE encapsulation
Dense hyperbranched topology reversibly complexes the nucleic acid through electrostatic binding, forming a compact, stable polyplex.
- 3
Cell membrane interaction
The polyplex engages the cell surface and is internalised through endocytosis, preserving cell viability.
- 4
Endosomal escape
Protonation of the poly(β-amino ester) backbone destabilises the endosome, releasing the polyplex into the cytosol.
- 5
Intracellular cargo release
Hydrolysis of the ester backbone unpacks the genetic cargo and fully biodegrades the carrier, leaving no persistent polymer behind.
One HPAE Platform, Three Parallel Innovation Pathways
Platform Innovation
Continuous polymer engineering, IP expansion and fundamental non-viral delivery research led in-house by Branca Bunús.
Gene Medicines
Pre-clinical in-vivo therapeutic pipelines including DEB gene editing (BrB101) and gene replacement (BrB202) programmes.
Commercial Translation
BrPERfect® and TransPi™ transfection reagents for biomanufacturing, exclusively manufactured and sold by our strategic partner PolyGene Biotech.
Strategic partnership
Branca Bunús Ltd and PolyGene Biotech operate as independent entities under a long-term strategic partnership, founded by the HPAE technology inventor Professor Wenxin Wang. BrB retains the ownership of HPAE platform intellectual property and leads therapeutic pipeline development; PolyGene holds exclusive global manufacturing, distribution and commercialisation rights for all transfection reagent lines.
Building on Strong Foundations — Scientific Excellence, Proven Translation, Global Reach
Scientific Foundation
Ground-breaking UCD-origin biomaterials research supported by a peer-reviewed patent portfolio.
Platform Innovation
Tunable modular HPAE architecture with ongoing polymer iteration and validation.
Proven Industrial Translation
Validated reagent technology deployed by global CDMO and biotech clients.
Quality & Regulatory Systems
ISO 9001 certification and FDA Type II DMF filing for lead transfection products.
Global Academic & Industry Collaboration
Worldwide university, biotech and pharma research partnerships.
Long-Term Therapeutic Vision
Focused pipeline development for rare genetic disease treatments.
Founded
2019, Dublin, Ireland
Research origin
University College Dublin
Core technology
HPAE Gene Delivery Platform
Commercial partner
PolyGene Biotech
Core mission
Develop curative genetic medicines
Build the Future With Us
Ground-breaking genetic medicine innovation only emerges through aligned collaboration between scientists, clinicians, biotech enterprises and investment partners. Branca Bunús welcomes meaningful conversations around platform licensing, joint therapeutic development, academic research partnerships and investment opportunities.
Pharma & biotech licensing
Academic research collaboration
Investment opportunities
Clinical & translational partners
Start a conversation around HPAE platform innovation
Investors, academic PIs, pharma partners and clinical collaborators are welcome.