Company: TherageniX
Sector: Health & Life Sciences, ageing society
Competition: Innovate UK Innovative Technologies for Intracellular Drug Delivery
Funding Secured: ~£1m
TherageniX is a UK-based SME pioneering ground-breaking non-viral gene therapy for bone regeneration in collaboration with the University of Nottingham (UoN).
Underpinned by cutting-edge fundamental research, TherageniX’s peptide-plasmid DNA complexes have been proven effective in liquid form in vitro, ex vivo and pre-clinical testing.
The transplantation of autologous bone is the gold standard bone repair strategy. However, this process has drawbacks and bone implants may fail due to poor integration or infection at the harvest site, or do not provide satisfactory functionality. This can result in delayed recovery, re-operation, poor quality of life and increased costs.
TherageniX’s novel gene therapy technology improves upon these bone-grafting procedures, utilizing the body’s cellular machinery to enhance regeneration at the surgical site. The technology easily integrates with established surgical procedures, and rapid transfection of patient’s cells means no additional time is required in the operating theatre. It offers a simple and cost-effective solution to help improve regeneration, leading to better functional outcomes for patients.
Within this project, TherageniX will develop its proprietary non-viral gene delivery system, transforming its liquid formation into an enhanced dry drug formulation, Gene-therapy-in-a-Powder (GTP).
Strongly aligned with the UK Government’s policy to drive manufacturing innovation in the cell and gene therapy industry, the new formulation will improve effect efficiency (reduced dose to reach effect) and increase productivity (scale-up manufacturing to GMP) for this innovative technology.
We had a very niche competition and an idea that seemed to fit well. However, the timeline was very short and challenging. TherageniX was just getting started as a company and we did not have a lot of information readily available. Within a couple of weeks, we were able to put together a very good proposal with the Granted team. For us, submitting a proposal was already a great achievement, given the circumstances. However, the success made things sweeter.
What I liked most about working with Granted was their openness to feedback and ability to add extra support when needed. I found this flexibility a great quality. Given their experience with non-dilutive funding, they also helped us draft our narrative to have maximum impact. Thank you, Granted team!” – Anandkumar Nandakumar, TherageniX.