Innovate UK

Constructive Bio is a biotechnology company focused on genome rewriting to unlock new possibilities in bioprocesses and biopharmaceuticals. The company transforms living cells into biofactories, producing sustainable materials and therapeutics. By harnessing advanced technologies, Constructive Bio creates virus-resistant organisms and biosynthesizes a range of enzymes, pharmaceuticals, and biomaterials. This innovative approach allows clients to reprogram genetic codes, enabling the creation of natural molecules that were previously inaccessible through conventional biology. Through its unique capabilities, Constructive Bio aims to lead the development of the next generation of sustainable solutions in the life sciences.

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 biotechnology company focused on developing innovative immunotherapies for cancer treatment by targeting a new class of tumor-specific antigens. The company employs a proprietary approach that combines immunopeptidomics, mass spectrometry, genomics, and bioinformatics to identify conserved, aberrantly expressed tumor-specific antigens hidden within cancer's non-coding DNA. This technology aims to create therapies that effectively eliminate malignant cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue, thereby reducing side effects and providing lasting benefits for patients. Research conducted by Drs. Claude Perreault and Pierre Thibault at the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer at Université de Montréal has been instrumental in the discovery of these novel antigens, known as Cryptigen™ TSAs, which are shared among patients with the same cancer type.

Lentitek is a biotechnology company focused on developing gene and gene-modified cell therapies, particularly aimed at treating cancer. The company is dedicated to enhancing the accessibility of innovative cures by increasing the yield of lentiviral vectors, which are critical for gene therapy applications. Lentitek employs a proprietary method that utilizes a novel promoter to significantly boost lentiviral production, potentially increasing yields by tenfold or more. This innovative approach not only improves the efficiency of lentivirus production but also aims to reduce overall production costs for healthcare providers, thereby facilitating broader availability of advanced therapeutic options for patients.

SynaptixBio is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies for severe leukodystrophies, a group of rare genetic disorders affecting the brain's white matter. The company aims to disrupt existing treatment practices by creating a therapy that addresses the root cause of these diseases, specifically targeting the mutated TUBB4a gene implicated in TUBB4a Leukodystrophy. By leveraging groundbreaking research, SynaptixBio is dedicated to providing potentially curative options for patients suffering from this acute subset of leukodystrophies. The company also maintains an online platform to engage with customers and address inquiries, ensuring transparency and accessibility of information about their advancements.

SynaptixBio is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies for severe leukodystrophies, a group of rare genetic disorders affecting the brain's white matter. The company aims to disrupt existing treatment practices by creating a therapy that addresses the root cause of these diseases, specifically targeting the mutated TUBB4a gene implicated in TUBB4a Leukodystrophy. By leveraging groundbreaking research, SynaptixBio is dedicated to providing potentially curative options for patients suffering from this acute subset of leukodystrophies. The company also maintains an online platform to engage with customers and address inquiries, ensuring transparency and accessibility of information about their advancements.

Laverock Therapeutics is focused on advancing gene silencing technology to create innovative programmable cell therapies. Their platform enables the engineering of next-generation allogeneic cell therapies that can adapt to both internal and external environmental signals. This capability allows for the development of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived products that offer enhanced efficacy, safety, and accessibility, addressing many of the challenges faced by traditional therapeutic methods. Through its pioneering approach, Laverock Therapeutics aims to facilitate significant advancements in the fields of medicine and biotechnology.

Beta Bugs is an insect genetics company focused on developing high-performance breeds of Black Soldier Fly for insect farmers. The company's primary mission is to enhance the productivity of the insect protein sector, making it competitive with traditional feed ingredients such as fishmeal and soymeal. To achieve this, Beta Bugs operates a breeding program called HiPer-Fly® and runs an egg production site known as The Multiplier®, supplying its breeds to both UK and international markets. By leveraging biotechnology and breeding techniques, Beta Bugs aims to establish a sustainable protein source that converts food waste into high-quality protein for use in livestock, aquaculture, and pet feed, thereby providing an alternative to conventional feed sources. The company is headquartered at the Easter Bush Campus, collaborating with the Roslin Institute, a leader 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.

The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult is a UK-based center dedicated to fostering innovation in the cell and gene therapy sector. Supported by Innovate UK, its primary objective is to accelerate the development of commercially viable therapies by assisting organizations in translating early-stage research into market-ready products. The Catapult employs over 120 experts in cell and gene therapy and features advanced laboratories for development and viral vector research. Additionally, it is in the process of establishing a £55 million large-scale Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) manufacturing center to facilitate the market introduction of cell and gene therapies both in the UK and internationally. By offering expertise in clinical trials, process development, manufacturing, regulatory affairs, health economics, and market access, the Catapult aims to help research organizations achieve full-scale commercialization of their therapies.

Senisca is a senotherapeutics company established in 2020, focused on developing anti-aging oligonucleotide therapeutics. The company aims to provide innovative pharmaceutical treatments for age-related chronic diseases by creating a new generation of oligonucleotide-based interventions. These therapeutics target the underlying mechanisms of aging, restoring the ability of cells to regulate gene expression effectively. By rejuvenating aged cells, Senisca seeks to improve healthspan and address both the diseases and aesthetic manifestations of aging, ultimately enabling individuals to live healthier for longer periods.

LabGenius Ltd is a biopharmaceutical company based in London that focuses on discovering new biological molecules through the integration of artificial intelligence, automation, and synthetic DNA. Founded in 2012, the company has developed a robotic platform known as EVA, which acts as a robot scientist capable of designing, conducting, and learning from its own experiments. LabGenius specializes in developing next-generation protein therapeutics aimed at addressing unmet medical needs, including conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Their innovative approach utilizes advanced machine learning and synthetic biology to engineer the properties of protein drugs, enhancing attributes such as protease stability and tissue penetration. This technology enables the efficient creation of protein therapeutics, providing physicians with access to cutting-edge treatments developed through robotic automation.

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.

Senisca is a senotherapeutics company established in 2020, focused on developing anti-aging oligonucleotide therapeutics. The company aims to provide innovative pharmaceutical treatments for age-related chronic diseases by creating a new generation of oligonucleotide-based interventions. These therapeutics target the underlying mechanisms of aging, restoring the ability of cells to regulate gene expression effectively. By rejuvenating aged cells, Senisca seeks to improve healthspan and address both the diseases and aesthetic manifestations of aging, ultimately enabling individuals to live healthier for longer periods.

Biotangents Ltd., founded in 2015 and based in Glasgow, United Kingdom, specializes in designing and building biological pathways for the production of valuable natural materials. The company utilizes its proprietary Leapfrog Assembly platform to create complex genetic constructs from various DNA components. Among its innovations is the development of terpenoid biosynthesis strains and the Short Sequence Randomisation technology for DNA randomisation. Biotangents has also conceptualized Moduleic Sensing, a modular cell-free nucleic acid detection technology, which led to the creation of a diagnostic test for identifying infectious diseases in livestock. This veterinary diagnostic device employs isothermal amplification technology, enabling precise detection without significant technical demands and allowing for quick adaptation to new targets. The solutions provided by Biotangents aim to mitigate the impact of infectious diseases in livestock, thereby enhancing the efficiency of animal protein production.

STORM Therapeutics Limited is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, focused on discovering and developing small molecule drugs that target RNA-modifying enzymes for cancer treatment and other immune diseases. Founded in 2015 and formerly known as Iceni Therapeutics Limited, the company utilizes a drug discovery and RNA analytics platform to identify novel targets and first-in-class drug candidates. By modulating RNA-modifying enzymes, STORM Therapeutics aims to address a range of diseases, including oncology, inflammation, viral infections, and central nervous system disorders. The company's innovative approach seeks to provide physicians with effective therapies targeting RNA epigenetic mechanisms.

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.

Senisca is a senotherapeutics company established in 2020, focused on developing anti-aging oligonucleotide therapeutics. The company aims to provide innovative pharmaceutical treatments for age-related chronic diseases by creating a new generation of oligonucleotide-based interventions. These therapeutics target the underlying mechanisms of aging, restoring the ability of cells to regulate gene expression effectively. By rejuvenating aged cells, Senisca seeks to improve healthspan and address both the diseases and aesthetic manifestations of aging, ultimately enabling individuals to live healthier for longer periods.

ExplantLab is an independent research organization located in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. The company focuses on exploring the connections between patient genetics and the design, manufacture, and performance of medical devices. By integrating genetic insights into its research, ExplantLab aims to enhance the effectiveness and safety of medical devices, ultimately improving the quality of life for patients.

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, aiming to express functional proteins in the patient's bloodstream. Freeline's advanced product candidates include FLT180a for hemophilia B, FLT190 for Fabry disease, and FLT201 for Gaucher disease Type 1, all in various stages of clinical trials. Additionally, Freeline offers expertise in CMC process development, analytics, and AAV technologies.

The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult is a UK-based center dedicated to fostering innovation in the cell and gene therapy sector. Supported by Innovate UK, its primary objective is to accelerate the development of commercially viable therapies by assisting organizations in translating early-stage research into market-ready products. The Catapult employs over 120 experts in cell and gene therapy and features advanced laboratories for development and viral vector research. Additionally, it is in the process of establishing a £55 million large-scale Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) manufacturing center to facilitate the market introduction of cell and gene therapies both in the UK and internationally. By offering expertise in clinical trials, process development, manufacturing, regulatory affairs, health economics, and market access, the Catapult aims to help research organizations achieve full-scale commercialization of their therapies.

Nanna Therapeutics Limited is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, focused on developing drugs for age-related diseases, including mitochondrial, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular/metabolic, joint/tissue diseases, and cancer. Founded in 2012, the company aims to address the unmet medical needs in these areas by targeting fundamental cellular processes to create innovative treatments. Nanna Therapeutics employs a proprietary platform known as the Totally Integrated Medicines Engine (TIME), which utilizes advanced technologies such as microfluidics, nanofabrication, and artificial intelligence to enhance drug discovery. This platform enables the rapid creation and functional screening of millions of novel compounds, thereby accelerating the development of transformative medicines for conditions that currently lack effective therapies. As of April 2020, Nanna Therapeutics operates as a subsidiary of Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd.

Mendelian is a company focused on accelerating the diagnosis of rare genetic diseases. By utilizing an intelligent agent, Mendelian analyzes patients' clinical features to identify the genes responsible for rare conditions. Physicians input phenotypic details, and the platform generates outputs that indicate potential causative genes and mutations. This innovative approach enhances the investigation of undiagnosed cases, allowing for earlier detection and treatment of rare diseases through machine learning and knowledge reasoning.

PepGen is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Oxford, United Kingdom, focused on advancing nucleic acid therapeutics, particularly antisense oligonucleotides. Founded in 2018, the company aims to enhance the delivery and efficacy of these therapies through its proprietary Enhanced Delivery Oligonucleotide (EDO) platform. This innovative platform utilizes engineered peptides designed to improve tissue penetration, cellular uptake, and nuclear delivery of oligonucleotides. PepGen's technology has shown promise in preclinical studies, demonstrating the ability to transport therapeutics effectively into various target tissues, including smooth, skeletal, and cardiac muscle, as well as the central nervous system. The company's mission is to unlock the full potential of nucleic acid therapeutics to transform the treatment landscape for severe neuromuscular and neurological diseases.

STORM Therapeutics Limited is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, focused on discovering and developing small molecule drugs that target RNA-modifying enzymes for cancer treatment and other immune diseases. Founded in 2015 and formerly known as Iceni Therapeutics Limited, the company utilizes a drug discovery and RNA analytics platform to identify novel targets and first-in-class drug candidates. By modulating RNA-modifying enzymes, STORM Therapeutics aims to address a range of diseases, including oncology, inflammation, viral infections, and central nervous system disorders. The company's innovative approach seeks to provide physicians with effective therapies targeting RNA epigenetic mechanisms.

Evonetix Ltd is a biotechnology company based in Little Chesterford, United Kingdom, established in 2015. The company focuses on developing innovative technology for the parallel synthesis of DNA on silicon arrays, thereby advancing the field of synthetic biology. By employing novel techniques, Evonetix aims to synthesize DNA with higher accuracy and scale, which enhances accessibility for researchers. This platform enables scientists to utilize synthetic biology on a previously unattainable scale, fundamentally changing how DNA is accessed, produced, and utilized for gene synthesis. The engineering team at Evonetix boasts extensive experience in creating high-integrity automated systems, bringing together a diverse range of expertise from various scientific and engineering disciplines to support its mission.

Beta Bugs is an insect genetics company focused on developing high-performance breeds of Black Soldier Fly for insect farmers. The company's primary mission is to enhance the productivity of the insect protein sector, making it competitive with traditional feed ingredients such as fishmeal and soymeal. To achieve this, Beta Bugs operates a breeding program called HiPer-Fly® and runs an egg production site known as The Multiplier®, supplying its breeds to both UK and international markets. By leveraging biotechnology and breeding techniques, Beta Bugs aims to establish a sustainable protein source that converts food waste into high-quality protein for use in livestock, aquaculture, and pet feed, thereby providing an alternative to conventional feed sources. The company is headquartered at the Easter Bush Campus, collaborating with the Roslin Institute, a leader in animal genetics.

Eagle Genomics Ltd., established in 2008, specializes in data management and analysis solutions for the life sciences industry. Based in Cambridge, UK, with offices in the US, Germany, and India, the company caters to healthcare, pharmaceutical, biotech, and personal care sectors. Eagle Genomics offers a suite of services, including NGS data management, analysis, and visualization; cloud computing for bioinformatics; biomarker discovery; and custom software development. Its flagship product, ElasticAP, is a web-based platform for managing life sciences R&D data in the cloud. The company also provides pipeline design services and Eagle On-Demand contracts to assist bioinformatics teams. By leveraging its unique blend of biological, bioinformatics, data science, and enterprise software engineering expertise, Eagle Genomics helps life science companies maximize the value of their R&D data, reducing costs and accelerating research.

Oxford BioMedica is a biopharmaceutical company based in Oxford, United Kingdom, specializing in the research, development, and manufacturing of lentiviral vector and cell therapy products for various diseases. The company operates through two main segments: Platform and Product. Its LentiVector platform technology enables the integration of therapeutic genes into non-dividing cells, making it suitable for treating conditions affecting the brain and eyes. Oxford BioMedica's product pipeline includes several candidates in various stages of development, targeting diseases such as hematological tumors, age-related macular degeneration, and central nervous system disorders. Additionally, the company has established partnerships with notable firms like Novartis and Bristol Myers Squibb to advance its therapeutic offerings. Oxford BioMedica also focuses on growing its bioprocessing services, leveraging its technologies to provide revenue-generating solutions for third-party clients, while continuing to innovate in gene and cell therapy. Founded in 1995, the company has positioned itself as a leader in the field of gene therapy, addressing unmet medical needs through its advanced therapeutic candidates.

Touchlight Genetics Ltd. is a biotechnology company based in Leatherhead, United Kingdom, specializing in DNA therapies and technology. Founded in 2007, it has developed the proTL synthetic DNA platform, which allows for the production of doggybone closed linear DNA without the need for bacterial fermentation. This innovative approach supports various applications, including veterinary vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, cancer and gene therapies, allergy treatments, RNA interference therapies, and stem cell reprogramming. The company boasts a skilled scientific and drug development team, led by founder and CEO Jonny Ohlson, and includes experienced professionals such as Clive Dix and John Tite. Touchlight has established partnerships with several leading academic institutions, including Imperial College London and the University of Pennsylvania, to advance its research and development efforts. The company has successfully patented its synthetic DNA platform and demonstrated therapeutic proof-of-principle through collaboration with these academic partners.

CHAIN Biotechnology Ltd. is a biotechnology company that specializes in developing and utilizing Clostridium bacteria for various applications, leveraging recent advancements in synthetic biology and automation to enhance fermentation processes. The company focuses on producing chiral chemicals, which are essential for a variety of products such as nutraceuticals, personal healthcare items, pharmaceuticals, and fragrances. Among its key developments are 3-hydroxybutyrate, a versatile chiral molecule, and (R)-methyl-3HB, a precursor chemical for the glaucoma treatment dorzolamide. Additionally, CHAIN Biotechnology is exploring cost-effective fermentation methods using sugar as a substrate. The company's expertise encompasses microbiology, molecular biology tools, and microbial strain development. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in London, United Kingdom, CHAIN Biotechnology is also engaged in developing therapeutic compounds aimed at addressing chronic gut-related diseases through its innovative drug development platform.

Eagle Genomics Ltd., established in 2008, specializes in data management and analysis solutions for the life sciences industry. Based in Cambridge, UK, with offices in the US, Germany, and India, the company caters to healthcare, pharmaceutical, biotech, and personal care sectors. Eagle Genomics offers a suite of services, including NGS data management, analysis, and visualization; cloud computing for bioinformatics; biomarker discovery; and custom software development. Its flagship product, ElasticAP, is a web-based platform for managing life sciences R&D data in the cloud. The company also provides pipeline design services and Eagle On-Demand contracts to assist bioinformatics teams. By leveraging its unique blend of biological, bioinformatics, data science, and enterprise software engineering expertise, Eagle Genomics helps life science companies maximize the value of their R&D data, reducing costs and accelerating research.

Oxford Genetics Ltd. is a UK-based biotechnology company that specializes in synthetic biology, focusing on DNA design, protein expression optimization, and cell line development technologies and services. The company offers a variety of plasmid products, including CRISPR plasmids, reporter genes, and viral vectors, which are used for various research and production applications. All products are designed to be free of intellectual property restrictions. Oxford Genetics provides its offerings through a global distribution network, serving customers in countries such as the United States, Canada, Germany, and Japan, while also enabling online purchases. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Begbroke, the company has established a strategic partnership with The Native Antigen Company Ltd. to enhance its capabilities in the biotechnology sector.

Genomics PLC, established in 2014 and headquartered in Oxford, UK, specializes in developing algorithms and software solutions that harness the power of genomics. The company focuses on cancer, microbes, and rare diseases, offering solutions that transform healthcare provisions for governments and providers, de-risk drug development for pharmaceutical clients, enhance diagnoses and treatment options for clinicians, and ensure accurate result processing for research labs and genome analysts. By applying advanced analytics to massive genomic and phenotypic datasets, Genomics PLC aims to lead the genomic transformation of healthcare, revealing the human wiring diagram and setting standards for genomic data utilization.