Visit of Prof. Kazuki N. Sugahara (Columbia University)

October 3–10, 2025 — Tartu, Estonia

This October, our lab had the pleasure of hosting Ass. Prof. Kazuki N. Sugahara from Columbia University, a long-time friend, collaborator, and Visiting Professor of the University of Tartu. Kazuki is a practicing gastrointestinal surgeon and a leading researcher in peptide-guided delivery systems. Our collaboration dates back to postdoc years and has since grown into a strong scientific partnership — including work that laid the foundation for Lisata Therapeutics’ tumor-penetrating peptide platforms.

During his week-long visit, Prof. Sugahara met with researchers, clinicians, and biotech partners across Tartu. His programme included discussions at SIME (Center for Translational Medicine), University of Tartu Clinics, Icosagen, Chemicum, the Institute of Technology, and meetings with experts in molecular immunology, reproductive genomics, RNA biology, imaging, peptide delivery, and translational oncology.

A highlight of the visit was a joint Teesalu–Sugahara workshop in our lab, where we explored ongoing and upcoming projects in peptide engineering, nanoparticle delivery, and translational applications.

We are grateful for Kazuki’s visit, inspiring discussions, and continued friendship. We look forward to many more shared discoveries.