LifeArc

LifeArc is an independent medical research charity based in London, established in 1992, with a mission to improve patient outcomes through the translation of research into practical applications. The organization operates as a self-funding venture capital firm, investing in early-stage biotech and health technology companies, specifically focusing on Seed and Series-A funding rounds. LifeArc manages two primary funds: one that provides grants to support academic research funded by other medical research charities and organizations, and another dedicated to investing in early-stage therapeutics and biological research. Through its efforts, LifeArc aims to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and patient care, enhancing the potential for positive health impacts.

Graham Duce

Chief Investment Officer and Trustee

Imran Hamid

Senior Investment Principal

Sohaib Mir

Senior Investment Principal

Christopher Baker Ph.D

Investment Principal

15 past transactions

OXcan

Seed Round in 2023
OxCan is a startup focused on early lung cancer detection using machine learning and liquid biopsy techniques. The company has developed an artificial intelligence-based healthcare platform that identifies cancer through targeted blood testing. This platform effectively detects cancer-related materials released into the bloodstream, allowing for cost-effective and routine analysis. It evaluates multidimensional liquid biopsy results, including DNA, proteins, epigenetic factors, as well as incorporating epidemiological data and patient medical histories. By providing healthcare providers with the tools for early cancer detection, OxCan aims to facilitate timely and potentially curative treatment options.

AviadoBio

Series A in 2021
AviadoBio mission is to transform the lives of people living with neurodegenerative disorders by developing and delivering transformative gene therapies for diseases including frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The Company’s technology is based on pioneering research from King’s College London and the UK Dementia Research Institute.

Closed Loop Medicine

Series A in 2021
Closed Loop Medicine Ltd is a healthcare technology company based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, founded in 2017. The company focuses on developing innovative therapeutic solutions that combine established medications with proprietary digital therapeutics. By digitizing and capturing data throughout the entire care continuum, Closed Loop Medicine seeks to create dynamic, personalized treatment regimens tailored to individual patient needs. Their pipeline includes integrated approaches that address significant health challenges such as sleep disorders, hypertension, chronic pain, and diabetes. Through real-time feedback and advanced care pathways, Closed Loop Medicine aims to enhance patient outcomes and improve the overall efficiency of healthcare delivery.

Eliem Therapeutics

Series B in 2021
Eliem Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, specializing in the development of therapeutic drugs for hyperexcitability disorders. Founded in 2018, the company focuses on creating innovative analgesics aimed at addressing unmet medical needs in conditions such as chronic pain, psychiatric disorders, and epilepsy. Eliem's key drug candidate, ETX-155, targets major depressive disorder and focal onset seizures, reflecting the company's commitment to advancing neuroscience and translational medicine. Through its research and development efforts, Eliem Therapeutics aims to improve the quality of life for patients suffering from these challenging conditions.

DJS Antibodies

Venture Round in 2020
DJS Antibodies Ltd, founded in 2014 and based in Bicester, United Kingdom, specializes in the design and discovery of innovative therapeutic monoclonal antibodies targeting G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). The company is focused on addressing significant unmet medical needs through the development of new medicines, an inherently challenging process often hindered by traditional methodologies. DJS Antibodies utilizes a breakthrough technology that enhances the success rate of discovering lead antibodies, a process that has garnered early support from Johnson & Johnson. This approach has facilitated the advancement of lead programs aimed at treating cancer and kidney disease, positioning DJS Antibodies as a leader in the field of drug development.

BrainWaveBank

Convertible Note in 2020
BrainWaveBank Limited is a brain health research company focused on developing innovative solutions to track and improve cognitive health, particularly in the context of dementia. Founded in 2015 and based in Belfast, United Kingdom, the company has created a unique wearable electroencephalography (EEG) device that allows users to non-invasively measure their brain activity. This device works in conjunction with mobile games designed to challenge cognitive skills, enabling individuals to monitor their cognitive health daily from the comfort of their homes. By securely collecting and analyzing data from a large user base, BrainWaveBank aims to build comprehensive neurocognitive profiles that can advance the understanding of brain health and inform the development of future treatments for neurological disorders. The company's approach emphasizes scalability and accessibility, making it a valuable tool for both consumers and clinical professionals.

Vicore Pharma

Grant in 2020
Vicore Pharma Holding AB is a pharmaceutical company focused on the research and development of treatments for rare lung diseases. The company is advancing its lead candidate, VP01, a small molecule intended for oral administration, currently in phase II clinical trials for conditions such as interstitial lung diseases, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and COVID-19. Additionally, Vicore is developing VP02, a formulation of an existing immunomodulatory compound, which is in preclinical trials aimed at treating IPF. Notably, the drug candidate C21 targets the AT2 receptor and has received orphan drug designation for IPF in both the EU and the US. Vicore Pharma collaborates with Emeriti Bio AB and has a licensing agreement with Nanologica AB. Founded in 2000 and based in Gothenburg, Sweden, Vicore operates from Astra Zeneca's Bioventurehub in Mölndal.

PolyProx

Seed Round in 2020
PolyProx Therapeutics is developer of a novel class of drug intended to provide new therapies for cancer treatment. The company's drug will use novel engineered protein that is able to selectively target tumour cells and trigger natural degradation machinery within the cell, enabling cancer patients to benefit from the treatment that targets and remove disease-causing proteins.

Ikarovec

Seed Round in 2020
Ikarovec is developing novel gene therapies to treat major ophthalmic indications.

AviadoBio

Seed Round in 2020
AviadoBio mission is to transform the lives of people living with neurodegenerative disorders by developing and delivering transformative gene therapies for diseases including frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The Company’s technology is based on pioneering research from King’s College London and the UK Dementia Research Institute.

Caldan Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2019
Caldan Therapeutics Ltd is a biotechnology company that originated as a spinout from the University of Glasgow and the University of Southern Denmark. The company focuses on the development of novel therapeutics that target free fatty acid receptors, which play a significant role in the pathophysiology of metabolic diseases, particularly Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). Through a collaboration between Professor Graeme Milligan and Professor Trond Ulven, Caldan Therapeutics aims to address various aspects of T2D, including insulin secretion, insulin sensitivity, and islet cell protection. In addition to T2D, there is potential for the company's therapeutics to be applied in treating other conditions such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and inflammatory diseases.

SpringWorks Therapeutics

Series B in 2019
SpringWorks Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing therapies for underserved patient populations affected by rare diseases and cancer. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, the company’s lead product candidate, nirogacestat, is an oral small molecule gamma secretase inhibitor currently in Phase III trials for treating desmoid tumors. Other significant candidates include mirdametinib, an oral MEK inhibitor in Phase IIb trials for neurofibromatosis type 1-associated plexiform neurofibromas, and various combinations involving nirogacestat for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. The company is also exploring additional therapies, such as BGB-3245, an investigational oral inhibitor targeting BRAF mutations, currently in Phase I trials. SpringWorks has established collaborations with several biotechnology and pharmaceutical firms to enhance its research and development efforts.

AMR Centre

Angel Round in 2019
AMR Centre Limited is focused on addressing the challenge of antimicrobial resistance through the development of new antibiotics. Established in 2016 and located in Macclesfield, United Kingdom, the company offers development services to organizations globally, partnering with them to expedite the creation of innovative antibiotic solutions. In return for these services, AMR Centre receives a commercial share from the newly developed products. Through its efforts, the company aims to contribute significantly to the fight against drug-resistant infections, improving healthcare outcomes worldwide.

SpringWorks Therapeutics

Series A in 2017
SpringWorks Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing therapies for underserved patient populations affected by rare diseases and cancer. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, the company’s lead product candidate, nirogacestat, is an oral small molecule gamma secretase inhibitor currently in Phase III trials for treating desmoid tumors. Other significant candidates include mirdametinib, an oral MEK inhibitor in Phase IIb trials for neurofibromatosis type 1-associated plexiform neurofibromas, and various combinations involving nirogacestat for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. The company is also exploring additional therapies, such as BGB-3245, an investigational oral inhibitor targeting BRAF mutations, currently in Phase I trials. SpringWorks has established collaborations with several biotechnology and pharmaceutical firms to enhance its research and development efforts.
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