Innovate UK

Constructive Bio is a biotechnology company focused on genome rewriting to advance bioprocesses and biopharmaceuticals. By transforming living cells into biofactories, it aims to develop sustainable materials and therapeutics. The company possesses the capability to create virus-resistant organisms and utilizes its proprietary technology to biosynthesize various classes of enzymes, pharmaceuticals, and biomaterials. This innovative approach allows clients to reprogram the genetic code, enabling the production of natural molecules and exploring chemical spaces that are not accessible through traditional biological methods. Constructive Bio's work positions it at the forefront of biotechnology, paving the way for the next generation of sustainable solutions in the life sciences sector.

Sequential Skin is a diagnostic platform focused on skin longevity and aging, leveraging expertise in genetics, epigenetics, and the skin microbiome. The company specializes in clinical microbiome testing for skin, scalp, and female health. Its primary offering is a skin health test that employs quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) technology to analyze specific markers within the skin microbiome. This analysis provides individuals with a detailed understanding of their skin profile, helping them identify their unique skincare needs. By delivering personalized insights, Sequential Skin empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their skincare routines.

Myogenes provides psychiatric tests, heredity cancer tests, and mental health mind maps.

Epitopea is a transatlantic biotechnology company focused on developing innovative immunotherapies for cancer treatment by targeting a novel class of tumor-specific antigens. The company utilizes a proprietary technique that integrates immunopeptidomics, mass spectrometry, genomics, and bioinformatics to identify conserved, aberrantly expressed tumor-specific antigens hidden within cancer's genetic material. This approach, developed through research conducted by Drs. Claude Perreault and Pierre Thibault at the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer at Université de Montréal, aims to create therapies that selectively eliminate malignant cells while preserving healthy tissue. By targeting antigens that are broadly shared among patients with the same cancer type, Epitopea seeks to enhance treatment efficacy while minimizing side effects and providing durable benefits.

Lentitek is a cell and gene therapy company focused on developing innovative treatments for cancer patients. The company is dedicated to making advanced therapeutics more accessible by enhancing the production of lentiviral vectors, which are essential for gene therapies. Lentitek employs a proprietary method that utilizes a novel promoter and a triple transfection production process to significantly increase viral yields by tenfold or more. This approach not only improves the efficiency of lentiviral production but also aims to lower production costs for healthcare providers, thereby broadening the availability of its therapies to a larger patient population.

SynaptixBio is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies for severe leukodystrophies, particularly targeting TUBB4a Leukodystrophy. By addressing the root causes of these conditions, SynaptixBio aims to provide potential curative treatments that could significantly disrupt existing treatment practices. The company is dedicated to translating groundbreaking research into transformative therapeutic options, specifically by altering the expression of a mutated gene responsible for the disease. Through its efforts, SynaptixBio seeks to deliver lifesaving solutions to those affected by this acute subset of leukodystrophies.

SynaptixBio is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies for severe leukodystrophies, particularly targeting TUBB4a Leukodystrophy. By addressing the root causes of these conditions, SynaptixBio aims to provide potential curative treatments that could significantly disrupt existing treatment practices. The company is dedicated to translating groundbreaking research into transformative therapeutic options, specifically by altering the expression of a mutated gene responsible for the disease. Through its efforts, SynaptixBio seeks to deliver lifesaving solutions to those affected by this acute subset of leukodystrophies.

Laverock Therapeutics is focused on advancing a gene silencing platform that facilitates the development of programmable, allogeneic cell therapies. This innovative platform allows for the engineering of next-generation cell therapies that are both adaptive and capable of responding to various intra- and extra-cellular environmental cues. By enhancing the functionality of these therapies, Laverock Therapeutics aims to improve the efficacy, safety, and accessibility of iPSC-derived products, addressing significant limitations associated with current therapeutic approaches. The company's work is positioned to benefit medical and biotechnology institutions seeking to leverage advanced cell therapy solutions.

Beta Bugs is an insect genetics company specializing in the development and distribution of high-performance Black Soldier Fly breeds aimed at enhancing productivity in the insect protein sector. The company operates a breeding program called HiPer-Fly® and maintains a dedicated egg production site known as The Multiplier®, supplying its breeds to both UK and international markets. By focusing on biotechnology and breeding techniques, Beta Bugs aims to create a sustainable protein source that can effectively replace traditional feed ingredients such as fishmeal and soymeal in livestock, aquaculture, and pet feed. Headquartered at the Easter Bush Campus, a recognized center for animal genetics, Beta Bugs collaborates closely with the Roslin Institute, noted for its pioneering work in animal genetics.

TherageniX specializes in gene therapy for tissue regeneration, focusing on orthopedic applications. The company's patented technology uses a non-viral delivery system to introduce specific genes, such as VEGF and BMP, into autologous bone marrow cells, enhancing their regenerative capacity. This process aids in tissue repair and regeneration, improving functional outcomes and reducing donor site trauma for patients with diseases, injuries, or age-related tissue damage.

CGT Catapult is a UK-based centre of excellence dedicated to advancing the cell and gene therapy sector globally. Supported by Innovate UK, it aims to facilitate the translation of early-stage research into commercially viable therapies. Based in central London with over 120 experts and state-of-the-art laboratories, CGT Catapult offers a comprehensive platform for product development, clinical trials, manufacturing, regulatory support, health economics, and market access expertise. Additionally, they are constructing a £55 million large-scale GMP manufacturing centre to accelerate the delivery of cell and gene therapies to patients worldwide.

LabGenius Ltd is a biopharmaceutical company based in London, United Kingdom, focused on discovering and developing new protein therapeutics to address unmet medical needs, including conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Founded in 2012, the company utilizes a machine learning-driven evolution engine and a robotic platform known as EVA, which is capable of designing, conducting, and learning from its own experiments. This innovative approach integrates advanced technologies from synthetic biology, robotics, and machine learning, enabling the engineering of protein drugs with enhanced properties such as protease stability and tissue penetration. By leveraging these cutting-edge methodologies, LabGenius aims to provide physicians with access to novel protein therapeutics that are developed through automation and intelligent design.

Sequential Skin is a diagnostic platform focused on skin longevity and aging, leveraging expertise in genetics, epigenetics, and the skin microbiome. The company specializes in clinical microbiome testing for skin, scalp, and female health. Its primary offering is a skin health test that employs quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) technology to analyze specific markers within the skin microbiome. This analysis provides individuals with a detailed understanding of their skin profile, helping them identify their unique skincare needs. By delivering personalized insights, Sequential Skin empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their skincare routines.

Biotangents Ltd. is a biotechnology company based in Glasgow, United Kingdom, specializing in the design and construction of biological pathways to produce desirable natural materials. Founded in 2015, Biotangents utilizes its proprietary Leapfrog Assembly platform to create complex genetic constructs from multiple DNA components. The company has developed notable technologies such as Short Sequence Randomisation and Moduleic Sensing, the latter of which focuses on modular cell-free nucleic acid detection. Biotangents is also engaged in creating a veterinary diagnostic device aimed at detecting various infectious diseases in livestock. This device utilizes isothermal amplification technology, allowing for precise molecular detection without extensive technical requirements, and can be swiftly adapted to target new pathogens. Through its innovations, Biotangents strives to mitigate the impact of infectious diseases in livestock, enabling more efficient production of animal protein.

Cytochroma manufacture genetically diverse stem cell-derived models to predict the safety and effect of drugs in a global population. Cytochroma’s automated cell manufacture, physiologically relevant models and rapid screening platform makes preclinical testing faster, safer and smarter.

ExplantLab is a research organization based in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. It focuses on investigating the connections between patients' genetics and the design, manufacturing, and performance of medical devices. The company aims to enhance the lives of patients by developing innovative medical solutions tailored to individual genetic profiles.

Freeline Therapeutics, established in 2015 and based in Stevenage, UK, is a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in the development of systemic adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-mediated gene therapies. The company focuses on treating inherited, debilitating diseases by delivering functional copies of therapeutic genes into human liver cells, enabling the production of functional proteins in the bloodstream. Freeline's pipeline includes FLT180a for hemophilia B, FLT190 for Fabry disease, and FLT201 for Gaucher disease Type 1, all in various stages of clinical trials. Additionally, the company offers expertise in CMC process development, analytics, and AAV technologies.

CGT Catapult is a UK-based centre of excellence dedicated to advancing the cell and gene therapy sector globally. Supported by Innovate UK, it aims to facilitate the translation of early-stage research into commercially viable therapies. Based in central London with over 120 experts and state-of-the-art laboratories, CGT Catapult offers a comprehensive platform for product development, clinical trials, manufacturing, regulatory support, health economics, and market access expertise. Additionally, they are constructing a £55 million large-scale GMP manufacturing centre to accelerate the delivery of cell and gene therapies to patients worldwide.

Nanna Therapeutics Limited, established in 2012 and headquartered in Cambridge, UK, is a biotechnology company focused on developing drugs for age-related diseases such as mitochondrial, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular/metabolic, joint/tissue diseases, and cancer. As of April 2020, the company operates as a subsidiary of Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd. Nanna Therapeutics employs a unique approach by targeting fundamental cellular processes to create innovative treatments for these conditions, with a particular emphasis on mitochondria, the energy source in every cell. The company's proprietary drug discovery platform, TIME (Totally Integrated Medicines Engine), combines advanced technologies like microfluidics and artificial intelligence to accelerate drug development and disrupt traditional methods of creating new medicines.

Mendelian is a company focused on accelerating the diagnosis of rare genetic diseases. It employs advanced machine learning and knowledge reasoning techniques to analyze patients' clinical features, allowing physicians to identify the genes and mutations responsible for various undiagnosed conditions. By utilizing an intelligent agent, Mendelian streamlines the process of matching patients' phenotypic characteristics with potential genetic causes, thereby enhancing the ability of healthcare professionals to diagnose rare diseases more efficiently. This innovative approach aims to improve patient outcomes by enabling earlier detection and treatment of these complex conditions.

PepGen Ltd. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Oxford, United Kingdom, focused on advancing the next generation of nucleic acid therapeutics, particularly in the treatment of severe neuromuscular and neurologic diseases. Incorporated in 2018, PepGen has developed its Enhanced Delivery Oligonucleotide (EDO) platform, which is designed to improve the uptake and activity of conjugated oligonucleotide therapeutics. The company's innovative EDO peptides enhance tissue penetration, cellular uptake, and nuclear delivery, demonstrating their ability to transport oligonucleotides effectively into various target tissues, including smooth, skeletal, and cardiac muscle, as well as the central nervous system. PepGen aims to unlock the clinical potential of these transformative therapeutics, with a particular emphasis on the effective delivery of antisense oligonucleotides, and is advancing its novel conjugate therapeutics toward clinical application.

Evonetix Ltd is a biotechnology company based in Little Chesterford, United Kingdom, founded in 2015. The company specializes in the development of a novel technology that allows for the parallel synthesis of DNA on silicon arrays, thereby advancing the field of synthetic biology. Evonetix aims to enhance DNA synthesis accuracy and scalability, making it accessible to researchers and transforming how DNA is produced and utilized for gene synthesis. With a highly experienced engineering team that combines expertise from various scientific and engineering disciplines, Evonetix is positioned to significantly impact the capabilities of synthetic biology by enabling applications that were previously unfeasible.

Beta Bugs is an insect genetics company specializing in the development and distribution of high-performance Black Soldier Fly breeds aimed at enhancing productivity in the insect protein sector. The company operates a breeding program called HiPer-Fly® and maintains a dedicated egg production site known as The Multiplier®, supplying its breeds to both UK and international markets. By focusing on biotechnology and breeding techniques, Beta Bugs aims to create a sustainable protein source that can effectively replace traditional feed ingredients such as fishmeal and soymeal in livestock, aquaculture, and pet feed. Headquartered at the Easter Bush Campus, a recognized center for animal genetics, Beta Bugs collaborates closely with the Roslin Institute, noted for its pioneering work in animal genetics.

Touchlight Genetics Ltd. is a biotechnology company based in Leatherhead, United Kingdom, specializing in DNA therapies and technology. Founded in 2007, the company has developed the proTL synthetic DNA platform, which enables the production of closed linear DNA, known as doggybone DNA, without the need for bacterial fermentation. This innovative platform is designed for various applications, including veterinary vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, cancer and gene therapies, allergy treatments, RNA interference therapies, and stem cell reprogramming. Touchlight Genetics is led by a team with significant expertise in life sciences, including founder and CEO Jonny Ohlson and Non-Executive Chairman Clive Dix. The company has successfully established collaborations with prominent academic institutions such as Imperial College London and the University of Pennsylvania, enhancing its research capabilities and expanding its impact in the field of DNA vaccine development for oncology and infectious diseases.

Oxford Genetics Ltd. is a UK-based synthetic biology company that focuses on DNA design, protein expression optimization, and cell line development technologies. Founded in 2011 and located in Begbroke, the company specializes in producing versatile cloning plasmids for research purposes in both academic and biotechnology institutions. Its product offerings include a wide range of plasmids, such as CRISPR plasmids, reporter genes, and various genetic tags, which are available for diverse research and production applications. The company ensures that all its products are free of intellectual property restrictions, facilitating broader access for researchers. Oxford Genetics distributes its products globally, reaching customers in numerous countries, and also offers online purchasing options. Additionally, the company maintains a strategic partnership with The Native Antigen Company Ltd.

Genomics PLC is a company based in Oxford, United Kingdom, specializing in algorithms and software solutions that focus on cancer, microbes, and rare diseases. Founded in 2014, it aims to revolutionize healthcare through advanced analyses of extensive genomic and phenotypic datasets. By leveraging its expertise, the company provides healthcare providers and governments with tools to enhance patient diagnoses and treatment options. Additionally, Genomics assists pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms in mitigating risks during the drug development process by providing insights into genomic data. Its analytical platform facilitates the investigation of genomic sequences, helping to identify individuals at risk of various diseases. Through these innovations, Genomics seeks to set standards in the use of genomic data, ultimately aiming to improve healthcare outcomes and advance human biology understanding.

Isogenica Limited is a biotechnology company based in Little Chesterford, United Kingdom, specializing in the design and licensing of synthetic antibody libraries and display technologies for antibody discovery. Established in 1998 and formerly known as Pharmacophorix Limited, Isogenica offers a range of products including the llamdA System, a single-domain antibody library; the Xab System, which features fully and semi-synthetic human antibody fragments; and the 4D Fab System, a synthetic human antibody library. The company also provides peptide and scaffold platforms aimed at facilitating the development of therapeutic peptides for various diseases. Isogenica’s technologies, including its CIS display, are utilized by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to create versatile small-format antibodies, enabling the construction of biotherapeutics for cancer, inflammation, and other serious conditions. This innovative approach supports the creation of bispecific and multi-specific biotherapeutics, enhancing targeted drug delivery in medical research and therapeutic applications.