Scottish Biotech Firm Secures Millions to Revolutionize Gene Therapy
Table of Contents
Concinnity Genetics, a cutting-edge biotechnology company based in Edinburgh, Scotland, has announced a significant funding milestone. Teh company recently closed an oversubscribed seed funding round, securing £3 million (approximately $3.6 million USD) to advance it’s groundbreaking gene therapy technology. This investment underscores the immense potential of Concinnity’s innovative approach to gene therapy safety and efficacy.
The funding round was led by Eos Advisory,wiht key support from Scottish Enterprise,Old College Capital (the University of Edinburgh’s venture capital arm),and Maven Capital Partners. This collaborative effort highlights the confidence investors have in Concinnity’s technology and its potential to reshape the future of gene therapies.
Co-founded by Jessica Birt and Dr. Matthew Dale, Concinnity Genetics is pioneering a new era in gene therapy. Their technology leverages the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and synthetic biology to create novel control mechanisms for gene therapies. These RNA-based systems offer unprecedented precision, allowing for dynamic adjustments even after treatment, potentially minimizing side effects and maximizing therapeutic benefits. This represents a significant leap forward in addressing the challenges associated with current gene therapy approaches.
The ample investment will enable Concinnity to expand its operations substantially. the company will transition from its current base within Professor Susan Rosser’s lab at the University of Edinburgh and the UKRI UK Center for Mammalian Synthetic Biology, establishing a presence in Scotland’s burgeoning life sciences sector. The funding will fuel three new research programs focused on developing advanced control systems for key applications in cell and gene therapy. Concinnity will also continue refining its existing systems, aiming to generate crucial data for strategic partnerships with major players in the industry.
“We are so excited to be taking the next step in our spin-out journey and want to sincerely thank all the investors and supporters who have helped us make it happen. Our ambition is to be the go-to partner for gene control to make gene and cell therapies as safe as possible. This commitment from our investors, building on the ongoing support from Scottish enterprise, speaks to the potential they see in our work, and we look forward to using the funding to further develop our technology.”
—Jessica Birt, CEO and co-founder, Concinnity Genetics
Concinnity’s journey has been marked by significant support from Scottish Enterprise, participating in their High Growth Spinout Program for the past two years. This program provided crucial resources and guidance, enabling the team to develop its technology and generate the data needed to secure this substantial investment.
“This investment round clearly demonstrates the huge potential of Concinnity’s technology, which has been recognised by investors. Scottish Enterprise has supported the team since its beginnings within the University of Edinburgh, so it’s fantastic to now be investing in it as it prepares to spin out. Life sciences is one of Scotland’s key growth industries and our investment and ongoing business support will help Concinnity convert and scale its innovation into international growth, delivering maximum benefits for Scotland’s economy.”
—Kerry Sharp, director of entrepreneurship and investment at Scottish Enterprise
Concinnity Genetics’ success highlights the growing global interest in innovative gene therapies and the potential for AI and synthetic biology to revolutionize healthcare. The company’s progress will be closely watched as it effectively works to bring its life-changing technology to patients worldwide.
Scottish Biotech Firm Secures Millions to Revolutionize Gene Therapy
Edinburgh-based Concinnity Genetics has secured £3 million in funding to advance its groundbreaking gene therapy technology. This investment, led by Eos Advisory and supported by Scottish Enterprise, Old college Capital, and Maven Capital Partners recognizes the potential of Concinnity’s innovative approach to improving gene therapy safety and efficacy.
Concinnity Genetics: A New Era in Gene Therapy?
Samuel Thompson, Senior Editor of world-today-news.com: Joining us today is dr. Emily carter, a leading expert in the field of gene therapy. Dr. Carter, thank you for taking the time to speak with us.
Dr. Emily Carter: It’s my pleasure to be here.
Thompson: Let’s start with the basics. Can you tell us a little bit about Concinnity Genetics and its technology?
Carter: Concinnity is a truly exciting company working at the forefront of gene therapy. Their approach focuses on developing sophisticated RNA-based control systems to regulate gene expression. In simpler terms, they’re creating ways to fine-tune the activity of therapeutic genes after they’ve been delivered to a patient.
The Power of Control in gene Therapy
Thompson: What makes this “control” element so important in gene therapy?
Carter: Current gene therapies often face challenges with unintended side effects because the therapeutic gene can become overactive or remain active longer than desired. Concinnity’s technology aims to address this directly. By allowing doctors to adjust the activity of the therapeutic gene even after it’s been delivered, they could potentially minimize these side effects and maximize therapeutic benefits.
Funding and the Future
Thompson: This recent funding round is substantial.What does it mean for Concinnity’s future?
Carter: This investment is a major validation of Concinnity’s work. It will enable them to expand their research efforts, build a dedicated team, and move closer to clinical trials.The goal is to ultimately bring this groundbreaking technology to patients who could benefit from safer and more effective gene therapies.
Thompson: This is certainly an innovative area with enormous potential. Dr. Carter, thank you for sharing your insights with us.
Carter: ** It was my pleasure. I’ll be watching Concinnity’s progress with great interest.