Syncona Partners LLP

Syncona Partners LLP is a venture capital firm based in London, specializing in investments within the healthcare sector. Established in 2012, it focuses on supporting and building companies in life sciences, particularly in areas such as gene therapy, targeted cell therapy, and advanced diagnostics. Syncona aims to partner with innovative leaders in science to create globally competitive businesses that deliver transformative treatments for patients with high unmet medical needs. The firm invests globally, typically committing between £1 million and £20 million per company, and operates both as a majority investor and alongside other investors. With strong backing from The Wellcome Trust and Cancer Research UK, Syncona is committed to generating superior returns for shareholders while also contributing to charitable causes through annual donations based on its net asset value.

Edward Hodgkin

Partner

Christopher Hollowood Ph.D

Chief Investment Officer

Martin Murphy Ph.D

Co-Founder and CEO

Dominik Schmidt

Partner

45 past transactions

Purespring

Series B in 2024
Purespring Therapeutics is an innovative company dedicated to developing gene therapies for kidney diseases, with a strong emphasis on podocytes, the specialized cells in the kidneys. As one of the pioneers in utilizing AAV gene therapy for renal conditions, Purespring aims to address significant unmet medical needs in this challenging area of healthcare. The company has established an in-vivo functional screening platform designed to identify protective factors that could be beneficial across a range of kidney diseases, while also exploring applications for gene therapy in cardiovascular disorders. Through its focused approach, Purespring is positioned to make a meaningful impact in the treatment of renal conditions.

Resolution Therapeutics

Series B in 2024
Resolution Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing macrophage cell therapies aimed at treating chronic diseases, particularly end-stage liver diseases. The company investigates the potential of macrophages as therapeutic agents for conditions such as liver cirrhosis. Through its research and innovation, Resolution Therapeutics seeks to address the significant unmet regenerative therapeutic needs associated with chronic liver conditions, contributing to advancements in medical treatments for these ailments.

iOnctura

Series B in 2024
iOnctura is a biopharmaceutical company that develops novel therapeutics aimed at addressing immunosuppression within the tumor microenvironment, which can hinder effective cancer treatment. The company focuses on creating next-generation biomolecules to enhance existing immune checkpoint therapies, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes in cancer treatment. Through collaborations with Merck and Cancer Research Technology, iOnctura is advancing a pipeline of preclinical molecules designed to be used in combination with immuno-oncology therapies. With access to state-of-the-art drug discovery laboratories and a network of academic partners, iOnctura is strategically positioned to develop innovative combination therapies in cancer immunology, ensuring a focused approach to tackling the complexities of cancer and fibrosis.

Freeline

Acquisition in 2023
Freeline Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-mediated gene therapies aimed at treating inherited systemic diseases. The company employs engineered AAV vectors and capsids, alongside novel promoters and transgenes, to introduce functional copies of therapeutic genes into human liver cells. This process allows for the production of essential proteins in the bloodstream, addressing deficiencies caused by genetic disorders. Freeline's key product candidates include FLT180a for hemophilia B, FLT190 for Fabry disease, and FLT201 for Gaucher disease Type 1. Their ongoing development programs encompass various clinical trials to advance these gene therapies and provide transformative solutions for patients suffering from debilitating conditions.

SwanBio Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2023
SwanBio Therapeutics is dedicated to developing therapeutic technologies aimed at treating neurological diseases. The company specializes in creating and commercializing genetically defined therapies tailored for neurological disorders. Its innovative approach seeks to provide significant clinical efficacy, particularly for conditions such as Adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN) and other related diseases, thereby supporting healthcare organizations in their efforts to improve patient outcomes.

Beacon Therapeutics

Series A in 2023
Beacon Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company that specializes in ophthalmic gene therapy aimed at restoring and improving vision for patients with rare retinal diseases that can lead to blindness. Utilizing a proprietary gene therapy platform, the company develops innovative genetic therapies tailored for individuals suffering from rare and debilitating conditions, particularly in the fields of ophthalmology and pulmonary medicine. Through its work, Beacon Therapeutics seeks to transform the lives of patients facing severe health challenges by offering potential breakthrough treatments.

Mosaic Therapeutics

Series A in 2023
Mosaic Therapeutics is reshaping the interface of computational and experimental medicine to power new medicines for patients.

SwanBio Therapeutics

Series B in 2022
SwanBio Therapeutics is dedicated to developing therapeutic technologies aimed at treating neurological diseases. The company specializes in creating and commercializing genetically defined therapies tailored for neurological disorders. Its innovative approach seeks to provide significant clinical efficacy, particularly for conditions such as Adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN) and other related diseases, thereby supporting healthcare organizations in their efforts to improve patient outcomes.

OMass Therapeutics

Series B in 2022
OMass Therapeutics Limited is a biotechnology company based in Oxford, United Kingdom, that specializes in drug discovery through structural mass spectrometry. Founded in 2016, the company employs innovative mass spectrometry platforms to develop therapeutics aimed at difficult disease targets. By providing access to native mass spectrometry, OMass Therapeutics enables clients in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors to study complex protein assemblies and their interactions with other biological molecules. This approach allows clients to address challenging drug targets and biotherapeutics more effectively, fostering a collaborative environment for advancing novel medicines.

Resolution Therapeutics

Series A in 2022
Resolution Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing macrophage cell therapies aimed at treating chronic diseases, particularly end-stage liver diseases. The company investigates the potential of macrophages as therapeutic agents for conditions such as liver cirrhosis. Through its research and innovation, Resolution Therapeutics seeks to address the significant unmet regenerative therapeutic needs associated with chronic liver conditions, contributing to advancements in medical treatments for these ailments.

Freeline

Post in 2022
Freeline Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-mediated gene therapies aimed at treating inherited systemic diseases. The company employs engineered AAV vectors and capsids, alongside novel promoters and transgenes, to introduce functional copies of therapeutic genes into human liver cells. This process allows for the production of essential proteins in the bloodstream, addressing deficiencies caused by genetic disorders. Freeline's key product candidates include FLT180a for hemophilia B, FLT190 for Fabry disease, and FLT201 for Gaucher disease Type 1. Their ongoing development programs encompass various clinical trials to advance these gene therapies and provide transformative solutions for patients suffering from debilitating conditions.

Anaveon

Series B in 2021
Anaveon are developing IL-2 complexes which selectively promote effector T cell functions. Our compounds act as effective immune adjuvants with a broad therapeutic window and marked preclinical efficacy against cancer either as monotherapy or in combination with other therapies.

Quell Therapeutics

Series B in 2021
Quell's vision is to become a leading engineered Treg cell therapy company. The company will seek to develop next generation engineered T-regulatory cell (Treg) therapies for a range of solid organ transplant and autoimmune conditions. Quell has been founded by Syncona in partnership with six leading experts in the Treg field, cell engineering, solid organ transplantation and autoimmune diseases: Giovanna Lombardi, Professor of Human Transplant Immunology at Kings College London (KCL), Alberto Sanchez-Fueyo, Professor of Hepatology in the Institute of Liver Studies at KCL, Hans Stauss, Professor of Tumour Immunology and Director of the Institute of Immunity and Transplantation at University College London (UCL), Emma Morris, Professor of Clinical Cell & Gene Therapy and Inflammation, Immunity and Immunotherapeutics Theme Director, National Institute for Health Research University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, Marc Martinez-Llordella, Senior Lecturer in the Institute of Liver Studies at KCL and Elmar Jaeckel, Co-Leader Liver Transplant program MHH, Group Leader "Immune tolerance" in the Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology at Hannover Medical School.

Quell Therapeutics

Series A in 2021
Quell's vision is to become a leading engineered Treg cell therapy company. The company will seek to develop next generation engineered T-regulatory cell (Treg) therapies for a range of solid organ transplant and autoimmune conditions. Quell has been founded by Syncona in partnership with six leading experts in the Treg field, cell engineering, solid organ transplantation and autoimmune diseases: Giovanna Lombardi, Professor of Human Transplant Immunology at Kings College London (KCL), Alberto Sanchez-Fueyo, Professor of Hepatology in the Institute of Liver Studies at KCL, Hans Stauss, Professor of Tumour Immunology and Director of the Institute of Immunity and Transplantation at University College London (UCL), Emma Morris, Professor of Clinical Cell & Gene Therapy and Inflammation, Immunity and Immunotherapeutics Theme Director, National Institute for Health Research University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, Marc Martinez-Llordella, Senior Lecturer in the Institute of Liver Studies at KCL and Elmar Jaeckel, Co-Leader Liver Transplant program MHH, Group Leader "Immune tolerance" in the Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology at Hannover Medical School.

Resolution Therapeutics

Series A in 2020
Resolution Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing macrophage cell therapies aimed at treating chronic diseases, particularly end-stage liver diseases. The company investigates the potential of macrophages as therapeutic agents for conditions such as liver cirrhosis. Through its research and innovation, Resolution Therapeutics seeks to address the significant unmet regenerative therapeutic needs associated with chronic liver conditions, contributing to advancements in medical treatments for these ailments.

Purespring

Series A in 2020
Purespring Therapeutics is an innovative company dedicated to developing gene therapies for kidney diseases, with a strong emphasis on podocytes, the specialized cells in the kidneys. As one of the pioneers in utilizing AAV gene therapy for renal conditions, Purespring aims to address significant unmet medical needs in this challenging area of healthcare. The company has established an in-vivo functional screening platform designed to identify protective factors that could be beneficial across a range of kidney diseases, while also exploring applications for gene therapy in cardiovascular disorders. Through its focused approach, Purespring is positioned to make a meaningful impact in the treatment of renal conditions.

Achilles Therapeutics

Series C in 2020
Achilles Therapeutics is a developer of immunotherapies intended to offer next-generation, patient-specific therapies to treat cancer. The company's immunotherapies harness the immune system to destroy cancer cells that target truncal tumor neo-antigens and flags to the immune system present on the surface of every cancer cell, enabling scientists to target and destroy tumors without harming healthy tissues.

Neogene Therapeutics

Series A in 2020
Neogene Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in New York, founded in 2018, that focuses on developing T cell therapies for cancer treatment. The company specializes in creating personalized engineered T cells that target neo-antigens, which are mutated proteins present in cancer cells due to DNA mutations. By leveraging advanced technologies, Neogene isolates T cell receptor (TCR) genes specific to these neo-antigens from tumor biopsies routinely collected from patients. This process utilizes high-sensitivity DNA sequencing and genetic screening to identify TCRs that can effectively recognize and attack cancer cells. Neogene's innovative approach aims to enhance the precision and efficacy of cancer therapies, offering improved treatment options for patients facing a broad spectrum of cancers.

SwanBio Therapeutics

Series A in 2020
SwanBio Therapeutics is dedicated to developing therapeutic technologies aimed at treating neurological diseases. The company specializes in creating and commercializing genetically defined therapies tailored for neurological disorders. Its innovative approach seeks to provide significant clinical efficacy, particularly for conditions such as Adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN) and other related diseases, thereby supporting healthcare organizations in their efforts to improve patient outcomes.

OMass Therapeutics

Series A in 2020
OMass Therapeutics Limited is a biotechnology company based in Oxford, United Kingdom, that specializes in drug discovery through structural mass spectrometry. Founded in 2016, the company employs innovative mass spectrometry platforms to develop therapeutics aimed at difficult disease targets. By providing access to native mass spectrometry, OMass Therapeutics enables clients in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors to study complex protein assemblies and their interactions with other biological molecules. This approach allows clients to address challenging drug targets and biotherapeutics more effectively, fostering a collaborative environment for advancing novel medicines.

Freeline

Series C in 2019
Freeline Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-mediated gene therapies aimed at treating inherited systemic diseases. The company employs engineered AAV vectors and capsids, alongside novel promoters and transgenes, to introduce functional copies of therapeutic genes into human liver cells. This process allows for the production of essential proteins in the bloodstream, addressing deficiencies caused by genetic disorders. Freeline's key product candidates include FLT180a for hemophilia B, FLT190 for Fabry disease, and FLT201 for Gaucher disease Type 1. Their ongoing development programs encompass various clinical trials to advance these gene therapies and provide transformative solutions for patients suffering from debilitating conditions.

Azeria Therapeutics

Series B in 2019
Azeria Therapeutics is a developer of a cancer drug intended to aid in the treatment of breast and prostate cancer patients. The company develops a pipeline of small molecules designed to selectively inhibit pioneer factors, enabling medical professionals to treat cancer patients.

Achilles Therapeutics

Series B in 2019
Achilles Therapeutics is a developer of immunotherapies intended to offer next-generation, patient-specific therapies to treat cancer. The company's immunotherapies harness the immune system to destroy cancer cells that target truncal tumor neo-antigens and flags to the immune system present on the surface of every cancer cell, enabling scientists to target and destroy tumors without harming healthy tissues.

Quell Therapeutics

Series A in 2019
Quell's vision is to become a leading engineered Treg cell therapy company. The company will seek to develop next generation engineered T-regulatory cell (Treg) therapies for a range of solid organ transplant and autoimmune conditions. Quell has been founded by Syncona in partnership with six leading experts in the Treg field, cell engineering, solid organ transplantation and autoimmune diseases: Giovanna Lombardi, Professor of Human Transplant Immunology at Kings College London (KCL), Alberto Sanchez-Fueyo, Professor of Hepatology in the Institute of Liver Studies at KCL, Hans Stauss, Professor of Tumour Immunology and Director of the Institute of Immunity and Transplantation at University College London (UCL), Emma Morris, Professor of Clinical Cell & Gene Therapy and Inflammation, Immunity and Immunotherapeutics Theme Director, National Institute for Health Research University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, Marc Martinez-Llordella, Senior Lecturer in the Institute of Liver Studies at KCL and Elmar Jaeckel, Co-Leader Liver Transplant program MHH, Group Leader "Immune tolerance" in the Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology at Hannover Medical School.

Anaveon

Series A in 2019
Anaveon are developing IL-2 complexes which selectively promote effector T cell functions. Our compounds act as effective immune adjuvants with a broad therapeutic window and marked preclinical efficacy against cancer either as monotherapy or in combination with other therapies.

Orbit Biomedical

Seed Round in 2019
Orbit Biomedical Limited is a retinal gene therapy company focused on developing innovative surgical devices and procedures for retinal conditions. Founded in 2018 and based in Stevenage, United Kingdom, with an additional location in Ambler, Pennsylvania, the company aims to enhance the precision, safety, and consistency of therapeutic delivery. Orbit Biomedical designs a comprehensive training process for surgeons and clinical staff, incorporating various learning modalities to ensure effective education. By transforming the surgical delivery of gene and cell therapies, the company seeks to establish a new standard in the field, enabling safe and efficient one-time treatments for patients suffering from chronic diseases.

OMass Therapeutics

Series A in 2018
OMass Therapeutics Limited is a biotechnology company based in Oxford, United Kingdom, that specializes in drug discovery through structural mass spectrometry. Founded in 2016, the company employs innovative mass spectrometry platforms to develop therapeutics aimed at difficult disease targets. By providing access to native mass spectrometry, OMass Therapeutics enables clients in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors to study complex protein assemblies and their interactions with other biological molecules. This approach allows clients to address challenging drug targets and biotherapeutics more effectively, fostering a collaborative environment for advancing novel medicines.

Freeline

Series B in 2018
Freeline Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-mediated gene therapies aimed at treating inherited systemic diseases. The company employs engineered AAV vectors and capsids, alongside novel promoters and transgenes, to introduce functional copies of therapeutic genes into human liver cells. This process allows for the production of essential proteins in the bloodstream, addressing deficiencies caused by genetic disorders. Freeline's key product candidates include FLT180a for hemophilia B, FLT190 for Fabry disease, and FLT201 for Gaucher disease Type 1. Their ongoing development programs encompass various clinical trials to advance these gene therapies and provide transformative solutions for patients suffering from debilitating conditions.

SwanBio Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2018
SwanBio Therapeutics is dedicated to developing therapeutic technologies aimed at treating neurological diseases. The company specializes in creating and commercializing genetically defined therapies tailored for neurological disorders. Its innovative approach seeks to provide significant clinical efficacy, particularly for conditions such as Adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN) and other related diseases, thereby supporting healthcare organizations in their efforts to improve patient outcomes.

Resolution Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2017
Resolution Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing macrophage cell therapies aimed at treating chronic diseases, particularly end-stage liver diseases. The company investigates the potential of macrophages as therapeutic agents for conditions such as liver cirrhosis. Through its research and innovation, Resolution Therapeutics seeks to address the significant unmet regenerative therapeutic needs associated with chronic liver conditions, contributing to advancements in medical treatments for these ailments.

Autolus

Series C in 2017
Autolus Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company based in London, established in 2014 by Tim Funnell and Martin Pule. The company focuses on developing next-generation programmed T-cell therapies aimed at treating cancer. Its clinical-stage pipeline includes several candidates, such as Obe-cel (obecabtagene autoleucel), AUTO1/22, AUTO3, AUTO5, AUTO6, AUTO7, and AUTO8.

Nightstar Therapeutics

Series C in 2017
NightstaRx Ltd. is a U.K. startup company. Gene therapy is the use of a gene to treat disease. The approach could enable treatments for a several rare conditions caused by mutations in a single gene.

Achilles Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2016
Achilles Therapeutics is a developer of immunotherapies intended to offer next-generation, patient-specific therapies to treat cancer. The company's immunotherapies harness the immune system to destroy cancer cells that target truncal tumor neo-antigens and flags to the immune system present on the surface of every cancer cell, enabling scientists to target and destroy tumors without harming healthy tissues.

Cambridge Epigenetix

Series B in 2016
Cambridge Epigenetix aims to change the way medicine is practiced by reducing several routine and important diagnostic screening and detection tests for colorectal cancer and other common tumours to a simple blood draw. CEGX is pioneering the field of clinical epigenetics, and the company’s technology has proven the link between the epigenetic DNA modification 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and disease. Research has revealed a wide range of diagnostic and prognostic applications for 5hmC, now one of the most important biomarkers in the quest to improve human health. Spun-out of the University of Cambridge in 2012, CEGX was founded to develop and commercialise the science of world leading researchers Professor Sir Shankar Balasubramanian, co-inventor of Solexa sequencing, and Professor Anjana Rao, who identified the essential role of the TET enzymes and 5hmC in development and disease. A privately held company headquartered in Cambridge, UK, Cambridge Epigenetix is supported by several high-profile investors: GV (Google Ventures), Sequoia, Syncona, New Science Ventures, Ahren Innovation Capital, DNA Capital and the University of Cambridge.

Freeline

Series A in 2015
Freeline Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-mediated gene therapies aimed at treating inherited systemic diseases. The company employs engineered AAV vectors and capsids, alongside novel promoters and transgenes, to introduce functional copies of therapeutic genes into human liver cells. This process allows for the production of essential proteins in the bloodstream, addressing deficiencies caused by genetic disorders. Freeline's key product candidates include FLT180a for hemophilia B, FLT190 for Fabry disease, and FLT201 for Gaucher disease Type 1. Their ongoing development programs encompass various clinical trials to advance these gene therapies and provide transformative solutions for patients suffering from debilitating conditions.

Nightstar Therapeutics

Series B in 2015
NightstaRx Ltd. is a U.K. startup company. Gene therapy is the use of a gene to treat disease. The approach could enable treatments for a several rare conditions caused by mutations in a single gene.

Blue Earth Diagnostics

Series B in 2015
Blue Earth Diagnostics to develop and commercialise molecular imaging agents addressing areas of high un-met medical need. The company is named after Blue Earth County, Minnesota where Sir Henry Wellcome (1853-1936), the founder of the Wellcome Trust, spent his childhood. Wellcome was one of the most fascinating men of his time. A businessman, collector and philanthropist, he was born in the American Wild West but ended his days as a knight of the British Realm. He co-founded a multinational pharmaceutical company that mastered modern techniques of advertising such as promotion, image and branding. He also funded pioneering medical research, in his lifetime, scientists funded by Wellcome made great breakthroughs into understanding how our bodies work. After his death the great man’s will provided for the creation of the Wellcome Trust, whose venture investment arm Syncona Partners LLP (“Syncona”) are the founding investors in BED.

Autolus

Series A in 2015
Autolus Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company based in London, established in 2014 by Tim Funnell and Martin Pule. The company focuses on developing next-generation programmed T-cell therapies aimed at treating cancer. Its clinical-stage pipeline includes several candidates, such as Obe-cel (obecabtagene autoleucel), AUTO1/22, AUTO3, AUTO5, AUTO6, AUTO7, and AUTO8.

Cambridge Epigenetix

Series A in 2014
Cambridge Epigenetix aims to change the way medicine is practiced by reducing several routine and important diagnostic screening and detection tests for colorectal cancer and other common tumours to a simple blood draw. CEGX is pioneering the field of clinical epigenetics, and the company’s technology has proven the link between the epigenetic DNA modification 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and disease. Research has revealed a wide range of diagnostic and prognostic applications for 5hmC, now one of the most important biomarkers in the quest to improve human health. Spun-out of the University of Cambridge in 2012, CEGX was founded to develop and commercialise the science of world leading researchers Professor Sir Shankar Balasubramanian, co-inventor of Solexa sequencing, and Professor Anjana Rao, who identified the essential role of the TET enzymes and 5hmC in development and disease. A privately held company headquartered in Cambridge, UK, Cambridge Epigenetix is supported by several high-profile investors: GV (Google Ventures), Sequoia, Syncona, New Science Ventures, Ahren Innovation Capital, DNA Capital and the University of Cambridge.

Nightstar Therapeutics

Series A in 2014
NightstaRx Ltd. is a U.K. startup company. Gene therapy is the use of a gene to treat disease. The approach could enable treatments for a several rare conditions caused by mutations in a single gene.
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