GM&C Life Sciences Fund

ScubaTx focuses on developing an organ preservation system that utilizes the Persufflation method, which is known for its effectiveness in preserving organs during transportation. By enhancing the condition of grafts during preservation, ScubaTx enables healthcare providers to expand the availability of viable organs for transplantation. The company aims to improve organ preservation practices through innovative software design, ultimately delivering significant cost savings to healthcare providers. This advancement not only enhances the quality of organ transplants but also contributes to increasing the overall supply of life-saving organs available to patients in need.

Monument Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative drugs for serious diseases affecting the central nervous system. The company employs proprietary digital biomarkers to enhance patient identification by reducing heterogeneity and targeting those with similar underlying neurobiological conditions. This approach allows researchers to concentrate on advancing treatments in areas with significant unmet medical needs within the field of neuroscience.

QV Bioelectronics is focused on improving the lives of brain tumor patients through its innovative electric field therapy implant, GRACE. Developed in collaboration with leading neurosurgeons in the UK, GRACE aims to extend the life expectancy of glioblastoma patients, a group historically faced with limited treatment options and poor survival rates. Recognizing the urgent need for effective therapies, co-founders Dr. Richard Fu and Dr. Chris Bullock created a solution to address both the clinical and quality of life challenges faced by patients. The company has garnered nearly $1 million in funding from UK institutions, including Innovate UK, and over $1 million in equity funding from international life science investors. With a multidisciplinary team based in Alderley Park, Cheshire, QV Bioelectronics is dedicated to advancing GRACE from research to clinical application, utilizing cutting-edge materials science to enhance treatment outcomes for patients.

Flynotes is a digital consent platform aimed at enhancing patient safety in healthcare. The platform assists both patients and doctors by streamlining the consent process. It provides tailored information based on the patient's specific condition or health status, ensuring that individuals are well-informed about their choices. This approach not only empowers patients but also allows healthcare providers to save time and improve efficiency in obtaining consent, ultimately fostering better communication and understanding in clinical practices.

Panthera Biopartners Limited is an independent site management organization based in Preston, United Kingdom, with additional locations in Manchester, London, and Glasgow. Founded in 2018, the company specializes in recruiting patients for clinical trials across various therapeutic areas, including cardiac disease, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, allergies, migraine, NASH, oncology, and neurology. Panthera Biopartners works on behalf of pharmaceutical and contract research organizations, leveraging a team of experts to effectively manage the clinical trial process and ensure successful patient enrollment.

CroBio Ltd is an agricultural biotechnology company based in Macclesfield, United Kingdom, founded in 2019 by experts in microbiology and engineering. The company focuses on developing environmentally sustainable solutions to combat global agricultural drought. Its technology leverages genetically engineered root-associated bacteria that produce a sponge-like biomaterial, facilitating biologically active water retention in soil. This innovative approach aims to improve soil health and enhance water management in agricultural practices.

Pencil Biosciences is focused on creating an innovative genome modulation platform that addresses the limitations of existing gene-editing technologies. By developing a programmable tool for genome modulation, the company aims to provide new therapeutic options for patients suffering from rare diseases. This technology is designed to have a broad impact, allowing medical professionals to navigate the complexities of gene editing more effectively. Through its advancements, Pencil Biosciences seeks to enhance the capabilities of gene-editing applications in the medical field.

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.

Clin-e-cal is an online platform dedicated to enhancing inhaler training for young children experiencing wheezing or asthma symptoms. The company develops interactive applications that leverage patented sound analysis technology to provide real-time feedback, guiding users on the correct use of inhalers. By incorporating gamification techniques, Clin-e-cal's applications engage and motivate children to adhere to their inhaler medication routines. The platform also includes play-related nudges to promote proper spacer technique, making the experience both educational and enjoyable for young users.

Biorelate Ltd. is a biomedical research services company based in Oldham, United Kingdom, founded in 2014. The company focuses on the research and development of biomarkers for diagnosing prostate cancer, target validation, and drug development. Biorelate has developed a database platform that curates biomedical knowledge to support innovations in biotechnological research. Its platform is designed to automatically curate valuable biomedical data from various text sources, ingest information from multiple origins, and identify causal interactions between genes, chemicals, drugs, cells, and phenotypes. This functionality enhances the capabilities of scientists engaged in drug discovery and cancer diagnosis, facilitating their research efforts.

Nexus Labs is a new video learning platform for medical students and residents. Surgical training supplements medical school curricula by combining real-world video footage, CGI animations, and user performance statistics. It helps students prepare for exams as well as life as a doctor.

CLYZ Labs develops a testing service aimed at selecting optimal drug therapies for personalized cancer treatment. Founded in 2017 and based in England, the company utilizes 3D cell culture techniques to analyze the drug sensitivity of a patient's own tumor cells. By integrating this information with biomarker data and established treatment guidelines, CLYZ Labs provides tailored treatment recommendations. This approach is designed to enhance patient outcomes by potentially increasing life expectancy and reducing treatment costs through more effective therapy selections.

Renephra Ltd. is a medical device company based in Manchester, United Kingdom, established in 2009. It specializes in developing innovative Transdermal Fluid Removal (TFR) technology aimed at addressing fluid overload and chronic conditions such as oedema and lymphoedema. The company's devices utilize a micro-needle system combined with negative pressure therapy to facilitate minimally invasive fluid removal from the skin. This technology targets significant clinical needs within vascular and oncology patients, representing a large and underserved market estimated at £1 billion globally. Having achieved proof of concept in human trials, Renephra is currently seeking funding to advance its device development and feasibility studies.

Maxwellia Ltd is a UK-based company specializing in converting prescription medications into over-the-counter (OTC) products, allowing consumers to manage their health without a doctor's prescription. Founded in 2013 and located in Alderley Edge, the company employs a comprehensive approach to "switching" medications, which includes identifying potential drug candidates, assessing market opportunities, and guiding the development process from concept to market launch. Its services encompass the SwitchScreen, which evaluates existing prescription drugs for potential OTC conversion; SwitchUp, which designs the switching strategy and assesses risks; and SwitchAbility, which supports the entire process to ensure successful commercialization. By repurposing established prescription drugs into branded OTC products, Maxwellia aims to enhance self-care options for consumers and create new therapeutic brands available in pharmacies, supermarkets, and online.

Manchester Imaging Limited is a dental diagnostic software company that originated as a spinout from the University of Manchester. The firm specializes in developing artificial intelligence software aimed at preventive and early diagnosis in dentistry. Utilizing advanced image analysis, computer vision, and machine learning technologies, Manchester Imaging's software is designed to detect early tooth decay and other oral health issues. This innovative approach empowers patients to take better care of their dental health while also reducing costs for insurance companies and healthcare systems by minimizing the need for extensive dental repairs. The company's diagnostic tools leverage pioneering image-recognition technology that has been successfully applied in various fields, including facial and medical image recognition, and marks a significant advancement in the dental healthcare sector.

Acea Health is a digital healthcare company developing an application called Flynotes - a new digital consent platform. Flynotes analyses a number of factors, including the patient’s background, to deliver personalised risks and benefits. Flynotes aims to be the go-to solution for consent in healthcare. .

SurgaColl Technologies is a medical device company focused on developing innovative tissue regeneration products aimed at enhancing surgical treatment for diseases affecting bone, cartilage, and other human tissues. The company leverages technology from the Tissue Engineering Research Group at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, led by Professor Fergal O’Brien. SurgaColl’s products are designed to facilitate the body's natural healing processes by utilizing highly biocompatible and bioactive materials that promote faster tissue regeneration. This approach not only aims to improve patient outcomes but also supports a safe and rapid return to a healthy and active lifestyle.

metaLinear Ltd. is a biotechnology company based in Alderley Edge, United Kingdom, founded in 2016. The company specializes in the engineering of microbial proteomes to identify and validate novel targets for anti-infective drug discovery, specifically aimed at difficult-to-treat bacterial infections. Utilizing a proprietary proteome engineering platform, metaLinear creates extensive libraries of randomized proteins, known as R-teins, which are expressed in target bacteria. This innovative approach allows for the screening and characterization of new antibiotic targets, effectively de-risking the target identification process and improving the efficiency of traditional drug discovery workflows. Through its efforts, metaLinear aims to provide drug developers with effective solutions to overcome various challenges in developing new microbial drugs.

Gendius Ltd. is a company based in Macclesfield, United Kingdom, founded in 2011 by Chris Genders and Rory Cameron. It specializes in developing app-based solutions for individuals living with diabetes. The company's flagship product, Intellin, is an innovative platform that leverages a user’s clinical history to identify personal high-risk areas for diabetes-related complications. By focusing on these specific risks, Intellin guides users through clinically validated tasks and measures aimed at slowing the progression of their condition, thereby enhancing their quality of life and management of diabetes.

Elucid mHealth Limited is a medication technology company based in Manchester, United Kingdom, focused on enhancing clinical trial efficiencies through innovative adherence monitoring tools. Incorporated in 2013, the company developed Pill Connect, a sophisticated pill bottle that facilitates real-time remote monitoring of medication adherence. This product allows trial organizers to access vital data on patient dosing, including missed doses, new doses, and overall engagement metrics. By providing a feedback system that connects individual user doses to provider monitoring systems, Elucid mHealth aims to improve the accuracy and efficiency of clinical trials while addressing non-adherence issues.

Cytox Limited specializes in developing products and services aimed at diagnosing and treating neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer's disease. The company has created a genetic-based blood test that assesses the risk and diagnosis of Alzheimer's in its early stages, addressing a critical need as the prevalence of the disease rises globally. Cytox's offerings include cellular and genetic assays for identifying cell cycle deficits in patients, along with biomarker and drug-screening services for pharmaceutical companies engaged in clinical trials. The company collaborates with Affymetrix, part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, to enhance its commercial testing capabilities. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Birmingham, United Kingdom, with additional offices in Manchester and Oxford, Cytox serves pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms, as well as research laboratories involved in clinical research and drug development.

Proveca Ltd. is a pharmaceutical company based in Daresbury, United Kingdom, that specializes in identifying, researching, and licensing off-patent medicines aimed at addressing unmet healthcare needs in the pediatric market. Founded in 2010, Proveca focuses on developing formulations and clinical data necessary to obtain Pediatric Use Marketing Authorisation (PUMA) for its products, which include treatments for conditions such as sialorrhoea, epilepsy, heart failure, and acute pain. The company seeks to secure market protection and exclusivity for its medicines by pursuing PUMA and, where applicable, Orphan Drug status. By doing so, Proveca aims to ensure that its licensed medicines are commercially viable and beneficial for children, either through direct commercialization or by selling the licenses to larger pharmaceutical firms.

The co-founders have demonstrated strong entrepreneurship having developed the blister prevention technology based on their own needs. The co-founders made multiple iterations of prototype patches engaging with experts in material science and podiatry to optimise the technology and demonstrate effectiveness in sportsmen and soldiers susceptible to foot blisters. Their drive to commercialise the technology has also attracted two industry experts who have joined the team to further develop and clinically test the patches in medical indications.

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.

Apex Molecular Ltd is a synthetic chemistry company based in Alderley Edge, United Kingdom, specializing in laboratory-scale chemistry services for the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and applied chemistry sectors. Established in 2008 and rebranded from YProTech Ltd in 2019, the company offers a range of development services, including high potency synthesis, custom synthesis, and project scale-up. Apex Molecular caters to clients in drug discovery, biotechnology, and agritech, delivering services that are timely, reliable, and cost-effective. By employing a flexible approach to project design, the company aims to assist its clients in managing their project portfolios with minimal risk and time delays.

SwabTech Ltd is a UK-based medical device company that originated from the National Health Service (NHS) to create an automated swab washing device aimed at enhancing intra-operative cell salvage in surgical settings. The company is focused on developing a patented Surgical Swab Washer that automates the extraction of blood from surgical swabs, a task traditionally performed manually. This device allows for the recovery and reuse of blood during high blood loss surgeries, facilitating autologous transfusions directly in the operating theatre. By enabling the timely retrieval of blood for processing and transfusion back to patients, SwabTech's innovation aims to improve clinical outcomes while also offering a cost-effective solution for hospitals.

ViroStatics is a small pharmaceutical company that develops novel compounds for a multifaceted treatment of cancers and viral diseases, focusing on novel, selective, host cell kinase targeted inhibitors. The Company has developed a robust pipeline of proprietary compounds to distinguish themselves from the competition through their unique kinase selectivity, efficacy and safety profiles. The Team and Advisors combines scientific, business, legal, and technology expertise, spanning the entire process of drug development from translational science through preclinical and clinical drug development.

Blueberry Therapeutics Ltd. specializes in the development of therapies for diseases characterized by infection and inflammation, with a particular focus on dermatological disorders. Founded in 2011 and based in Alderley Edge, United Kingdom, the company utilizes a nano polymer drug delivery platform to enhance the delivery of small molecules and biologics directly into cells and tissues. Its research and development efforts are aimed at creating effective treatments for conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, atopic dermatitis, acne, and wound healing. By concentrating on well-validated drug targets and ensuring low toxicity levels in candidate molecules, Blueberry Therapeutics aims to address significant challenges in drug development and improve patient outcomes.

Biorelate Ltd. is a biomedical research services company based in Oldham, United Kingdom, founded in 2014. The company focuses on the research and development of biomarkers for diagnosing prostate cancer, target validation, and drug development. Biorelate has developed a database platform that curates biomedical knowledge to support innovations in biotechnological research. Its platform is designed to automatically curate valuable biomedical data from various text sources, ingest information from multiple origins, and identify causal interactions between genes, chemicals, drugs, cells, and phenotypes. This functionality enhances the capabilities of scientists engaged in drug discovery and cancer diagnosis, facilitating their research efforts.

Pronec Ltd seeks to develop a new class of cancer therapy that causes tumours to simply die, using proprietary peptides. The Company has identified a lead candidate molecule that causes necrosis of a wide range of tumour cell lines in culture, but does not affect normal cell lines. Cancer cell necrosis refers to death of cancer cells within a tumour. This new class of compounds is protected by GB and international patent applications.

Kanichi Research Services specializes in the development of innovative non-invasive diagnostic systems that analyze exhaled breath for the rapid identification and diagnosis of various diseases. Their flagship product is an affordable, disposable point-of-care test targeting Helicobacter Pylori, a bacterial infection associated with stomach ulcers and cancer. In addition to diagnostic tests, the company designs bespoke electrochemical components, including custom-made electrodes, for use in advanced sensor systems. These components facilitate the detection of a wide range of chemical and biological molecules across air, breath, and liquid media, enhancing the capabilities of their diagnostic offerings.

Backpain Help specializes in providing high-quality products designed to support the neck and back, alleviate pain, and improve posture. The company offers a range of innovative and award-winning products, including posture and neck braces, back support, neck support collars, and insoles for overpronation. These products are intended to help individuals manage various conditions such as sciatica, back pain, disc pain, and injuries to the knees and ankles. Headquartered in Altrincham, Cheshire, with additional offices in the USA and Hong Kong, Backpain Help's offerings are utilized in over 50 countries worldwide, reflecting its commitment to helping individuals lead full, pain-free lives.

Arlabion Ltd is an agri-tech company based in Huddersfield, United Kingdom, focused on developing innovative agrochemicals for sustainable crop management. Founded in 2014, Arlabion specializes in a novel seed treatment designed to protect crops from fungal infections. This technology enhances the plant immune system, improves seed germination, and promotes root system development, thereby reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Targeting a growing market for safer agricultural solutions, Arlabion applies established organic chemistry techniques, typically used in human and animal healthcare, to agriculture. The company's approach aims to provide effective and less harmful alternatives for addressing fungal infections in essential food crops.