Excalibur Fund Managers

Excalibur Fund Managers Limited was a venture capital firm based in London, United Kingdom, specializing in investments across various stages, including seed, early, mid, and late stage funding. Founded in 1996 and previously known as Merlin Biosciences Limited, the firm focused on the medical sciences, biotechnology, and life sciences sectors, particularly companies that develop human medicines and medical devices. Excalibur aimed to invest in companies primarily located in the United Kingdom, United States, and Europe, typically committing between $10.35 million and $21.16 million to each investment. The firm was known for its active investment approach, often seeking board representation in portfolio companies and playing a key role in financing and strategic initiatives. However, Excalibur Fund Managers Limited is no longer in business.

24 past transactions

Neurotech

Series B in 2006
Neurotech is a privately held biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies for chronic retinal diseases, addressing significant unmet medical needs in the ophthalmology market. The company has created a novel ocular implant that facilitates the continuous production of therapeutic proteins directly in the eye. This system is designed to help therapeutic cells survive in challenging conditions, thereby replacing or supporting the function of deteriorating target cells or tissues. By enhancing the treatment options available for eye diseases, Neurotech aims to improve the quality of life for patients suffering from these conditions.

Takeda Cambridge

Series D in 2006
Takeda Cambridge Limited (TCB) and its subsidiary TSP, have established world-class target identification and validation capabilities. Together they have developed a promising pipeline of novel drug discovery targets and compounds in key areas of unmet medical need such as CNS disorders, chronic pain and urology indications, endocrinology and metabolic-related diseases.

Onyvax

Series C in 2006
Onyvax is developing new cancer therapies that harness the selective power of the immune system to seek out and destroy tumor cells. Onyvax's products specifically target cancer cells, increasing the likelihood that they will be effective while minimising side effects associated with many conventional treatments. These therapies can broadly be classed as therapeutic cancer vaccines.

Intercytex

Series D in 2005
Intercytex Group plc is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, UK, that specializes in the research, development, and commercialization of cell-based therapies aimed at repairing and regenerating skin and hair. Founded in 2000, the company utilizes an integrated cell technology platform to create living, human cell-based products. Its notable product developments include VAVELTA, aimed at facial rejuvenation and skin damage repair, which has completed Phase II trials; ICX-TRC, a hair regeneration therapy that also completed Phase II trials; and ICX-SKN, a skin graft replacement for burns and acute wounds, which has completed Phase I trials. Additionally, Intercytex is working on ICX-RHY, a therapy intended to address skin-related conditions such as epidermolysis bullosa and scar contractures.

Takeda Cambridge

Venture Round in 2005
Takeda Cambridge Limited (TCB) and its subsidiary TSP, have established world-class target identification and validation capabilities. Together they have developed a promising pipeline of novel drug discovery targets and compounds in key areas of unmet medical need such as CNS disorders, chronic pain and urology indications, endocrinology and metabolic-related diseases.

Destination Skin

Venture Round in 2004
Destination Skin Limited operates a network of clinics across the United Kingdom, specializing in laser hair removal and skincare services for both women and men. Established in 2003 and headquartered in Swindon, the company offers complimentary consultations to recommend treatments tailored to individual skin concerns, such as acne, pigmentation, and signs of aging. Its extensive range of services includes laser hair removal, anti-wrinkle injections, dermaroller treatments, intense pulsed light therapies, and various skin rejuvenation procedures. Additionally, Destination Skin provides a selection of skincare products and tools through its online shop. The clinics are strategically located in cities including London, Birmingham, Bristol, and Manchester, among others.

Plethora Solutions Holdings

Seed Round in 2004
Plethora Solutions is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing and marketing products for the treatment and management of urological disorders. The company addresses a growing market characterized by many unmet medical needs, presenting significant opportunities for innovation in pharmaceutical products and medical devices. Its principal product is a treatment for male premature ejaculation, which received marketing authorization from the European Commission in November 2013. Plethora Solutions is committed to improving the quality of life for patients suffering from urological conditions through its dedicated efforts in drug development and marketing.

Neurotech

Venture Round in 2003
Neurotech is a privately held biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies for chronic retinal diseases, addressing significant unmet medical needs in the ophthalmology market. The company has created a novel ocular implant that facilitates the continuous production of therapeutic proteins directly in the eye. This system is designed to help therapeutic cells survive in challenging conditions, thereby replacing or supporting the function of deteriorating target cells or tissues. By enhancing the treatment options available for eye diseases, Neurotech aims to improve the quality of life for patients suffering from these conditions.

Ardana Bioscience

Series B in 2003
Ardana Bioscience was created in July 2000 to commercialise research by the Medical Research Council (MRC )'s Human Reproductive Sciences Unit (HRSU) in Edinburgh, Scotland which has been at the forefront of this area of research for the last 28 years. The MRC employs nearly 100 staff at the Unit which currently receives total annual funding of £3.8 million.

Piramed

Series A in 2003
Piramed Limited, a biotech company, discovers and develops new medicines for the treatment of cancer and immune inflammatory disorders. The company focuses on the discovery and development of inhibitors to find clinical utility in various diseases, including cancer, immune inflammatory disorders, cardiovascular disease, and pain, as well as metabolic and infectious diseases. The company was incorporated in 2001 and is based in Slough, the United Kingdom. As of May 23, 2008, Piramed Limited operates as a subsidiary of Hoffmann-La Roche Inc.

Energist

Venture Round in 2003
Energist Ltd specializes in the design, manufacture, marketing, and supply of lasers and light-based systems for hair removal and aesthetic skin treatments within the medical and beauty sectors. The company offers a range of products, including variable and intense pulsed light systems for hair removal and skin rejuvenation, as well as laser systems such as light emitting diode (LED) and CO2 lasers for medical and surgical applications. Additionally, Energist provides LED systems and micro-needle rollers aimed at anti-aging treatments. Its products cater to various aesthetic and surgical needs, including vascular treatments, skin rejuvenation, resurfacing, and regeneration. Energist sells its products both directly and through a network of distributors globally. Founded in 1999, the company is headquartered in Swansea, United Kingdom, and operates as a subsidiary of Energist Medical Group.

Arakis

Series B in 2002
Arakis Limited is engaged in the discovery and development of medicinal products, with a focus on inflammatory diseases and oncology adjunctive therapies. The company specializes in understanding cytokine and receptor-mediated mechanisms of disease, which informs its research and development efforts. Arakis identifies and commercializes product opportunities by exploring new clinical applications for established drugs and drug templates, as well as enhancing the performance of existing medicines. Through its innovative approach, Arakis aims to address unmet medical needs in the therapeutic areas of inflammatory disease and pain.

Microscience

Series C in 2002
Microscience is a biotechnology company established in 1997, focused on the discovery and development of innovative vaccines aimed at preventing and treating diseases with significant unmet clinical needs. The company leverages its expertise in functional genomics and proteomics to create proprietary vaccines and immunotherapeutics. Microscience has built an extensive product portfolio supported by a strong intellectual property foundation, which includes three granted patents and numerous others covering over 300 genes and targets. This robust intellectual property strategy ensures long-term protection for its developments, extending well beyond anticipated product launch dates.

Ardana Bioscience

Series A in 2001
Ardana Bioscience was created in July 2000 to commercialise research by the Medical Research Council (MRC )'s Human Reproductive Sciences Unit (HRSU) in Edinburgh, Scotland which has been at the forefront of this area of research for the last 28 years. The MRC employs nearly 100 staff at the Unit which currently receives total annual funding of £3.8 million.

EpiCept

Series C in 2001
EpiCept Corporation, headquartered in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, with a subsidiary in Munich, Germany, specializes in the development of innovative pharmaceutical products aimed at treating pain and cancer. The company focuses on creating safe and effective prescription pain management solutions that utilize a topical delivery system, distinguishing itself from traditional systemic or transdermal methods. EpiCept is committed to exploring partnerships for co-marketing, co-promotion, licensing, and distribution with third-party collaborators to expand its reach in the market. The company's products are supported by a robust patent portfolio, reflecting its dedication to protecting its innovations and capitalizing on the significant market potential of its offerings.

Onyvax

Venture Round in 2000
Onyvax is developing new cancer therapies that harness the selective power of the immune system to seek out and destroy tumor cells. Onyvax's products specifically target cancer cells, increasing the likelihood that they will be effective while minimising side effects associated with many conventional treatments. These therapies can broadly be classed as therapeutic cancer vaccines.

TME Pharma

Series B in 2000
TME Pharma is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on enhancing cancer treatment by targeting the tumor microenvironment. The company develops biostable aptamers and mirror image nucleic acids, with its leading drug candidates, NOX-A12 and NOX-E36, derived from a novel class of therapeutics known as Spiegelmers. These compounds are designed to improve the effectiveness of existing cancer therapies by offering specific advantages over traditional drug classes. TME Pharma maintains a strategic alliance with Pfizer, Inc., underscoring its commitment to advancing innovative treatment options in oncology. The company is headquartered in Berlin, Germany.

Microscience

Series B in 2000
Microscience is a biotechnology company established in 1997, focused on the discovery and development of innovative vaccines aimed at preventing and treating diseases with significant unmet clinical needs. The company leverages its expertise in functional genomics and proteomics to create proprietary vaccines and immunotherapeutics. Microscience has built an extensive product portfolio supported by a strong intellectual property foundation, which includes three granted patents and numerous others covering over 300 genes and targets. This robust intellectual property strategy ensures long-term protection for its developments, extending well beyond anticipated product launch dates.

Arakis

Venture Round in 2000
Arakis Limited is engaged in the discovery and development of medicinal products, with a focus on inflammatory diseases and oncology adjunctive therapies. The company specializes in understanding cytokine and receptor-mediated mechanisms of disease, which informs its research and development efforts. Arakis identifies and commercializes product opportunities by exploring new clinical applications for established drugs and drug templates, as well as enhancing the performance of existing medicines. Through its innovative approach, Arakis aims to address unmet medical needs in the therapeutic areas of inflammatory disease and pain.

Microscience

Series A in 1999
Microscience is a biotechnology company established in 1997, focused on the discovery and development of innovative vaccines aimed at preventing and treating diseases with significant unmet clinical needs. The company leverages its expertise in functional genomics and proteomics to create proprietary vaccines and immunotherapeutics. Microscience has built an extensive product portfolio supported by a strong intellectual property foundation, which includes three granted patents and numerous others covering over 300 genes and targets. This robust intellectual property strategy ensures long-term protection for its developments, extending well beyond anticipated product launch dates.

BioVex Group

Series A in 1999
BioVex is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing and commercializing biological therapies for cancer treatment and the prevention of infectious diseases. Its primary focus is OncoVEXGM-CSF, an oncolytic vaccine that selectively targets and destroys cancer cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. This vaccine operates by replicating within solid tumors, leading to cancer cell death, and also stimulates a robust systemic immune response against tumors. OncoVEXGM-CSF has undergone clinical testing in over 110 patients across various solid tumors, including melanoma, head and neck cancer, breast cancer, and pancreatic cancer. The treatment has demonstrated significant efficacy, routinely eliminating tumors at the injection site and achieving overall disease responses during Phase II trials, with no reported recurrences of resolved tumors. Additionally, BioVex is developing ImmunoVEXHSV2, a vaccine aimed at preventing genital herpes.

Vectura Group

Seed Round in 1998
Vectura Group is a product development company specializing in pharmaceutical therapies aimed at treating airways-related diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The company operates within a significant and expanding market, valued at over $30 billion globally. Vectura focuses on inhaled drug delivery solutions, encompassing the formulation of inhaled products as well as the design and development of devices. Through its integrated platform, Vectura aims to improve treatment options for patients suffering from various airways diseases, enhancing their quality of life and management of their conditions.

Cyclacel Pharmaceuticals

Seed Round in 1997
Cyclacel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing targeted therapies for cancer and other proliferative diseases. The company is advancing several oncology programs, including CYC065, a cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor currently in Phase I trials for solid tumors and in combination with venetoclax for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. CYC140, a polo-like kinase inhibitor, is also in Phase I trials for advanced leukemias. Additionally, sapacitabine, an oral nucleoside analogue prodrug, is being evaluated in a Phase 1/2 combination study with seliciclib, another CDK inhibitor, for patients with BRCA mutations. Cyclacel's pipeline includes collaborations with notable institutions, such as the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, to assess the safety and efficacy of its treatments in hematological malignancies. The company was founded in 1992 and is headquartered in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey.

ReNeuron Group

Venture Round in 1997
ReNeuron Group is a biotechnology company based in Pencoed, United Kingdom, specializing in the research and development of cell-based therapies for various medical conditions. Founded in 1997, it is primarily focused on developing innovative treatments for stroke disability and inherited retinal diseases, including its CTX stem cell therapy candidate, which is currently undergoing Phase IIb clinical trials, and its human retinal progenitor cell therapy, which is in Phase I/IIa trials for retinitis pigmentosa. The company is also exploring the therapeutic potential of CTX-derived exosomes, which are nano-sized packages of information released by CTX cells. Additionally, ReNeuron has established a research agreement with a U.S. biotechnology firm to collaborate on novel gene silencing-based therapeutics. Through its advanced product pipeline and strategic partnerships, ReNeuron aims to address significant unmet medical needs in the therapeutic landscape.
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