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GeneFab's Synthetic Biology Foundry engineers precise control over gene expression for cell and gene therapy developers. Core capabilities include synthetic cell-type-specific promoters, drug-responsive switches that respond to FDA-approved small molecules, and the design and optimization of complex genetic circuits — all validated in clinically relevant models, not just proof-of-concept assays.

Synthetic promoters are engineered DNA sequences that turn a therapeutic gene on only in defined cell types or biological states. They reduce off-target expression, mitigate toxicity, and improve safety profiles. GeneFab designs synthetic promoters for cell-type and cell-state specific gene expression, enabling therapies that activate exactly where and when they are needed.

A drug-responsive switch is a genetic control element that lets clinicians turn a therapeutic gene on or off using an externally administered small molecule. GeneFab builds drug-responsive switches using FDA-approved compounds, giving sponsors tunable, on-demand control of therapeutic expression throughout preclinical development and clinical use.

Gene circuits combine multiple regulatory elements — promoters, sensors, logic gates, and switches — so a therapy responds dynamically to the cellular environment instead of expressing constitutively. This conditional expression reduces toxicity, narrows on-target activity to the right cell state, and provides a built-in safety layer that regulators increasingly expect for advanced therapies.

Yes. GeneFab's regulatory technologies are designed to work across therapeutic modalities, including AAV and lentiviral gene therapies, CAR-T, CAR-NK, and other engineered cell therapies. The same synthetic promoters, switches, and circuits can be deployed across vector and cell platforms, allowing developers to use one regulatory toolkit across a pipeline.

GeneFab's synthetic biology elements are designed and validated for real-world therapeutic use, not just proof-of-concept demonstrations. The foundry is integrated with GeneFab's GMP manufacturing facility in Alameda, CA, so the same regulatory elements designed in the foundry can move directly into IND-enabling and clinical manufacturing — without re-engineering at scale-up.

Reach out through the GeneFab contact form with a description of your therapeutic target, modality, and the type of expression control you need (cell-state specificity, drug-regulated activation, or full gene-circuit design). GeneFab's team will scope a synthetic biology engagement, including high-throughput screening in relevant therapeutic models.