Here are the top biotech companies you will find in Oxford, a city with an old scientific tradition and an enormous output of biotech applications.
Oxford is well known for its university, one of the oldest in Europe and considered to be one of the best in the world. Recently, the University of Oxford has been the center of attention thanks to an experimental Covid-19 vaccine that the university is developing in partnership with big pharmaceutical companies. If successful, the vaccine, already in phase III testing, could be one of the first to get approval for this new disease.
The University of Oxford has hosted thousands of bright minds over the years. Thanks to its emphasis on technology transfer, the university has also helped a large number of them turn their ideas into successful spinout companies. The environment created around the university has also attracted many talents and businesses to the city, making it the ideal melting pot for new and promising ideas.
Biotech is one of the fortes of the innovation seen in the city of Oxford. So we consulted with local experts to put together a list of the most remarkable companies in the city, be it for their size, innovation, or influence in the sector.
Founded in 2008, Immunocore is one of just a few private biotech companies in Europe that are estimated to be worth over 1B. The company is tackling multiple forms of cancer as well as infectious and autoimmune diseases using T-cell receptor (TCR) technology. TCRs are proteins on the surface of immune T cells that are responsible for identifying a threat that must be destroyed, such as cancerous or infected cells. Immunocore aims to patients with engineered TCRs to circumvent the mechanisms by which these threats evade the immune system, restoring its ability to fight disease.
The company is collaborating on several projects with Genentech, AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, and GSK. Its most advanced program is a treatment for uveal melanoma that is currently in phase III trials. Other programs target solid tumors, hepatitis, HIV, and type 1 diabetes.
Adaptimmune Therapeutics was founded at the same time as Immunocore with the goal of exploiting TCR technology in the form of T-cell therapy. The company engineers the TCRs naturally present on the patients own immune T cells to improve their ability to identify cancerous cells.
Adaptimmune is now getting ready to start late-stage clinical trials in multiple cancer types. Thanks to a deal with Astellas Pharma, the company is also gearing up to start clinical testing of a version of its T-cell therapy that doesnt require engineering each dose individually for each patient, using donor cells instead. Adaptimmune also has several partnerships with companies including GSK, Noile-Immune Biotech, and Alpine Immune Sciences.
Oxford Biodynamics was spun out of Oxford University in 2007 with the goal of developing liquid biopsy tests that can perform a diagnosis from just a drop of blood. The company specializes in epigenetics, that is changes to the structure of our DNA that determines which genes are switched on or off.
Oxford Biodynamics works in a wide range of indications, including cancer, diabetes, Alzheimers, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis among many others. The tests are not only designed to diagnose a disease; they can also be made to determine which patients are going to benefit the most from a specific drug, and how likely the disease is to progress faster or relapse.
With these tests, the company is supporting the development of personalized medicine approaches and helping drug developers increase their chances of succeeding in clinical trials. Partners include big pharma such as Pfizer and EMD, as well as universities and research institutes.
Chronos Therapeutics started out in 2009 as a spinout of the University of Oxford with the goal of developing drugs for age-related conditions. The companys lead program targets amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most common motor neuron disease, for which there are no treatments able to stop its progression.
Over time, the company has expanded its portfolio into other indications, particularly those that affect the brain, by acquiring assets from third parties. They include programs targeting fatigue caused by multiple sclerosis, addictive behaviors such as binge eating and alcohol use disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Evox Therapeutics is developing a drug delivery technology based on exosomes nanoparticles that our bodies naturally use to transport molecules. The company engineers exosomes to carry different types of drugs, such as proteins, RNA, or small drugs. The key advantage is that these natural carriers are able to reach targets that conventional drug delivery systems cant, such as the brain.
Founded in 2016, the company has signed big deals with Takeda and Eli Lilly. Its programs are all in preclinical testing and mostly target rare diseases. One of them targets the rare liver disorder argininosuccinic aciduria and is scheduled to enter clinical trials in 2021.
Exscientia is a pioneer in the application of artificial intelligence to drug discovery. The company uses AI to identify potential drug candidates and optimize their structure to maximize their chances of success in clinical trials. The goal is to speed up and reduce the costs of the drug discovery process.
Earlier this year, the companys drug candidate for obsessive-compulsive disorder became one of the first AI-designed drugs to enter clinical trials. While a drug typically takes five years from identification until clinical trials, this one did so in just a year.
Exscientia is partnered with Bayer, BMS, Sanofi, and GSk among others. In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the company set out to go through a database of 15,000 approved and investigational drugs that had already passed safety testing to find candidates that can then be fast-tracked to clinical testing in Covid-19 patients.
Oxford Biomedica was set up in 1995 as a developer and provider of lentiviral vectors for gene and cell therapy. These vectors allow the permanent introduction of a desired DNA sequence into a target cell, be it in the test tube or directly in the patients body.
The technology of Oxford Biomedica is regularly used by companies such as Novartis, Sanofi, Boehringer Ingelheim, Imperial Innovations, and Orchard Therapeutics. Notably, the vectors developed by the company are used in Novartis Kymriah, the first CAR T-cell therapy approved in Europe and the US as a cancer treatment.
Oxford Biomedica also has a preclinical pipeline of proprietary programs in a wide range of applications, including cancer, eye disease, ALS, and liver disease. Last year, the company struck a deal with Microsoft to reduce the complexity and costs of gene and cell therapy manufacturing using artificial intelligence.
Founded in 2016, Arctoris aims to bring the benefits of automation to cancer research. Through the companys services, a researcher could just order an experiment online and spend their valuable time designing experiments and analyzing results rather than performing the repetitive tasks needed to complete them.
Arctoris aims to contribute to reducing the costs of drug discovery, which are increasing every year as treatments become personalized and results more difficult to replicate. In the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, Arctoris has established assays that allow scientists the possibility of running Covid-19 experiments remotely.
Founded in 2015, Orbit Discovery is a drug discovery company focusing on the identification of peptide drugs. The company has developed a technology that significantly improves on conventional methods of drug screening such as phage display or mRNA display.
The technology consists of fusing peptides to the DNA sequence encoding them and presenting them to live cells. This method allows the screening of peptide targets that were previously missed by other technologies, and to study their effect on live cells to better predict their function.
The company has already identified several candidates in the areas of cardiology, immunology, and cancer, and is working with partners such as Zealand Pharma in their preclinical development.
OxStem is a drug discovery company with an unusual approach to stem cell treatments. Instead of using stem cells as a therapy, the firm focuses on developing small molecule drugs that can reprogram the patients own stem cells to treat a wide range of diseases related to aging, including cancer and diabetes as well as neurological, cardiovascular, and ocular conditions.
Founded in 2013, the strategy of OxStem is to spin out companies that specialize in each disease area to focus on the development of the drugs found by the parent company, with five subsidiaries set up so far.
Tags: Adaptimmune, Immunocore, Oxford BioMedica, United Kingdom
If you liked this post and want to read more good journalism, support us by joining Labiotech Insider. Our Insider membership gives you access to exclusive content and other advantages.
Original post:
The Top 10 Biotech Companies Brewing at... - Labiotech.eu
- Spotlight on Cancer Stem Cell Research – Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2011]
- Stem Cells and Controversy – Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: June 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 28th, 2011]
- Lisa Ray asks you to join Stem Cell City – Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: June 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 28th, 2011]
- Michael Savage...Embryonic Stell Cell Research...Part 2 [Last Updated On: August 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 4th, 2011]
- Michael Savage...Embryonic Stell Cell Research...Part 3 [Last Updated On: August 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 6th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy at City of Hope: Building on the Promise [Last Updated On: August 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 8th, 2011]
- Obama on Embryonic Stem Cell Research [Last Updated On: August 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 9th, 2011]
- Medical Treatment by Stem Cells Myth or Reality? Episode 2 - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2011]
- Stem Cells Regenerate New Finger! - Video [Last Updated On: October 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 17th, 2011]
- MS Patient After Stem Cell Therapy - Video [Last Updated On: October 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 19th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Transplant - Video [Last Updated On: October 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 19th, 2011]
- The EU and stem cell research - Video [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2011]
- Dr. Oz to Oprah and Michael J Fox: "The stem cell debate is dead." - Video [Last Updated On: December 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 8th, 2011]
- Politics: President Obama on Stem Cell Research - Video [Last Updated On: December 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 9th, 2011]
- Be still my beating stem cell heart - Video [Last Updated On: December 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 18th, 2011]
- Adult Stem Cell vs Embryonic Stem Cell Research Ethics Video - Video [Last Updated On: December 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 19th, 2011]
- A new hair loss treatment using stem cells ethically, safely and effectively. - Video [Last Updated On: December 31st, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 31st, 2011]
- U-M Would Have To Report Data On Stell Cell Research In New House Bill [Last Updated On: March 30th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 30th, 2012]
- Stem Cells Restore Man's Vision | The art of cord blood banking [Last Updated On: January 4th, 2013] [Originally Added On: January 4th, 2013]
- Cancer Stem Cells – Video – Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: January 7th, 2013] [Originally Added On: January 7th, 2013]
- Research and Markets: Stem Cell Therapy Market in Asia-Pacific to ... [Last Updated On: January 13th, 2013] [Originally Added On: January 13th, 2013]
- Genea Stem Cells (GSC): 25 new disease specific pluripotent stem ... [Last Updated On: January 14th, 2013] [Originally Added On: January 14th, 2013]
- Court lifts cloud over embryonic stem cells – Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: January 16th, 2013] [Originally Added On: January 16th, 2013]
- Drug targets leukemia stem cells – Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: January 18th, 2013] [Originally Added On: January 18th, 2013]
- CRF to sponsor 8th International Conference on ... - Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: January 19th, 2013] [Originally Added On: January 19th, 2013]
- Bacteria Can Morph Host Cells Into Stem Cells – Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: January 21st, 2013] [Originally Added On: January 21st, 2013]
- Springhill Medical Group-What is Stem Cell Therapy? - Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: January 22nd, 2013] [Originally Added On: January 22nd, 2013]
- Stem Cells – A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, And Annotated ... [Last Updated On: January 23rd, 2013] [Originally Added On: January 23rd, 2013]
- StemCells, Inc. to Present at Phacilitate Cell ... - Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: January 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: January 24th, 2013]
- Stem cells aid recovery from stroke – Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: January 28th, 2013] [Originally Added On: January 28th, 2013]
- Adult Stem Cells Regrow cut off Finger! – Video – Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: February 4th, 2013] [Originally Added On: February 4th, 2013]
- Stem cells is no hype but it is a better hope: Experts – Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2013] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2013]
- 3D printing with stem cells could lead to printable organs – Stem ... [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2013] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2013]
- Monell scientists identify taste stem cells on the tongue – Stem Cell ... [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2013] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2013]
- Scientists Say 3D Printing Can Create Stem Cells – Video – Stem ... [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2013] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2013]
- Fish stem cells could light the way to optical breakthroughs – Stem ... [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2013] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2013]
- Signaling factors may be key to stem cells' healing abilities ... [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2013] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2013]
- Regenerative medicine and Stem cells Partnering Terms and ... [Last Updated On: February 19th, 2013] [Originally Added On: February 19th, 2013]
- Market Research Report — Therapeutic ... - Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2013] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2013]
- Cell therapy: New mouse model promises to advance research on ... [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2013] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2013]
- Florida Hospital Pepin Heart Institute, USF partner ... - Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2013] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2013]
- Schistosome stem cells could explain how the worms survive for so ... [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2013]
- Egg cells from Stell Cells: A breakthrough in fertility research | Bionic ... [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2013] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2013]
- BioMarin Licenses Factor VIII Gene Therapy ... - Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2013] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2013]
- 'Holy Grail' of stem cell research discovered – Stem Cell Clinic ... [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2013] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2013]
- OHSU Doernbecher Scientists First To Grow Liver Stem Cells In ... [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2013] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2013]
- FRC's Dr. David Prentice Congratulates Kansas ... - Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: March 5th, 2013] [Originally Added On: March 5th, 2013]
- UCLA researchers explore cutting edge of stem cells – Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: March 10th, 2013] [Originally Added On: March 10th, 2013]
- Study finds stem cells in deer antler – Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2013] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2013]
- IDIBELL signs agreement with Histocell to use ... - Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: March 29th, 2013] [Originally Added On: March 29th, 2013]
- Stem Cell Therapy Market in Asia-Pacific to 2018 Market Research ... [Last Updated On: March 31st, 2013] [Originally Added On: March 31st, 2013]
- Researchers first to use common virus to 'fortify' adult stem cells ... [Last Updated On: April 2nd, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 2nd, 2013]
- Stem Cells Harvested From Human Gut For First Time - Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: April 6th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 6th, 2013]
- "Nanokicking" Stem Cells Offers Cheaper And Easier Way To Grow ... [Last Updated On: April 7th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 7th, 2013]
- Adhesive force differences enable separation of stem cells to ... [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2013]
- Embryonic-like stem cells collected from adults to grow bone – Stem ... [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2013]
- Pro-lifers eye Kansas for top study of stem cells; no embryo use at ... [Last Updated On: April 12th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 12th, 2013]
- StemCells, Inc. Enters Agreement to Receive $19.3 ... - Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: April 12th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 12th, 2013]
- 'Smart' stem cells repair damage from heart failure – Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: April 12th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 12th, 2013]
- First-in-humans study introduces next generation ... - Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: April 13th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 13th, 2013]
- Stem Cells Show Promise in Heart Failure Patients – Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: April 15th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 15th, 2013]
- IDIBELL signs agreement with Histocell to use … – Stem Cell Cafe ... [Last Updated On: April 16th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 16th, 2013]
- Circuit Court OKs Funding of Embryonic Stem Cell Research ... [Last Updated On: April 16th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 16th, 2013]
- Pros And Cons Of Stem Cell Research [Last Updated On: April 16th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 16th, 2013]
- Adult stem cells offer ethical, effective cures, speakers say ... - First [Last Updated On: April 17th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 17th, 2013]
- Preliminary Research, Led By Dr. Vincent Giampapa, Finds Aged ... [Last Updated On: April 17th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 17th, 2013]
- Voices Against Brain Cancer Comments on New Study Claiming Fat ... [Last Updated On: April 20th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 20th, 2013]
- UCLA Researchers Develop New Method for Purifying Stem Cells ... [Last Updated On: April 23rd, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 23rd, 2013]
- Scientist identifies protein molecule used to ... - Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: April 25th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 25th, 2013]
- Human Stem Cells Injected In Mice Restore Memory, Learning ... [Last Updated On: April 25th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 25th, 2013]
- Explore the Forefront of iPS Cell Research ... - Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: April 26th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 26th, 2013]
- Stem Cell Therapy Market in Asia-Pacific to 2018 ... [Last Updated On: April 28th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 28th, 2013]
- Dr. Farshid Guilak: Can stem cells help those with arthritis? – Stem ... [Last Updated On: April 28th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 28th, 2013]
- AKC Canine Health Foundation Releases Webinar ... - Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: April 28th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 28th, 2013]
- German stem cells give new life to cancer patient in Gujarat – Stem ... [Last Updated On: April 29th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 29th, 2013]
- Stem Cell Therapy Market in Asia-Pacific to 2018 ... - Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: April 30th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 30th, 2013]
- Study confirms that mesenchymal stem cells may help treat cancer ... [Last Updated On: April 30th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 30th, 2013]
- Adults lack stem cells for making new eggs, research shows – Stem ... [Last Updated On: April 30th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 30th, 2013]
- Stemedica Issued U.S. Patent For Ectodermal Stem Cells – Stem ... [Last Updated On: April 30th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 30th, 2013]
- Clarifying the effect of stem cell therapy on cancer – Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: May 2nd, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 2nd, 2013]