Nicholas Muzyczka, Ph.D.

Professor of Microbiology
Edward R. Koger Eminent Scholar for Cancer Research
University of Florida

16 U.S. patents

Nicholas Muzyczka is a professor of microbiology and Edward R. Koger Eminent Scholar for Cancer Research at the University of Florida, recognized for his pivotal invention of the “granddaddy patent” for recombinant adeno associated virus (rAAV) vectors. Muzyczka’s lab created a breakthrough with successful DNA replication of the AAV2 genome.

He holds 15 U.S. patents and his research has led to potential therapies for neurodegenerative, pulmonary, cardiovascular, and eye diseases. In 1994 he became founding director of Powell Gene Therapy Center, making UF one of the leading institutions in AAV gene therapy. In 2001, Muzyczka founded Applied Genetic Technologies Corp (AGTC) a Florida based company that commercializes gene therapy applications.