Innovative genetic platform to tackle aggressive cancers
A University spinout aims to transform the treatment of multiple aggressive cancers using a novel genetic technology to precisely target cancer cells.
Trogenix’s technology uses a precision ‘Trojan Horse’ approach to enter the cancer cells and kill them from within.
Early studies of the technology in models of glioblastoma – a fast-growing type of brain tumour – have shown it can target and kill cancer cells whilst leaving healthy cells untouched, in a way that previous therapies have not managed.
Currently, only 25 per cent of glioblastoma patients survive beyond one year.
The technology represents a significant breakthrough in precision cancer therapy, experts say.
Precision targeting
The genetic platform, known as Odysseus, uses a combination of a cytotoxic agent – designed to kill the cells – alongside activating the body’s own immune system to target the tumour.
The effects are delivered through so-called synthetic super-enhancers (SSEs) – engineered DNA elements carried into cells inside harmless virus vectors – which are injected directly into the tumour.
The SSEs act as docking stations for proteins uniquely expressed in aggressive cancer cells. The SSEs are only activated when these cancer proteins dock, allowing the platform to single out tumour cells for its dual cell-killing action.
The ability of the technology to activate the immune system helps to provide long-term protection against cancer recurrence through immunological memory.
In studies in mice the technology was able to eliminate brain tumours, without toxicity, and with evidence of persistent anti-tumour immunity. Phase 1/Phase 2 clinical trials are planned for 2025.
Our Odysseus platform represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment. By precisely targeting the most aggressive cancer cells, we can achieve unprecedented selectivity while activating the body's own immune system against the tumour. The results to date have provided clear proof of concept for a ‘one and done’ treatment using this viral immunotherapy.
University research
Trogenix emerged from ground-breaking research at the University of Edinburgh’s UK Centre for Mammalian Synthetic Biology and the Institute for Regeneration and Repair, and the Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre.
It was co-founded in 2023, and incubated by investor 4BIO Capital, which specialises in creating breakthrough therapeutic companies.
The company has also received investment from IQ Capital, Cancer Research Horizons, the US National Brain Tumor Society’s investment fund, AIN Ventures and Old College Capital (OCC), the University of Edinburgh’s in-house venture investment fund.
Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide, with current therapies often falling short, especially for aggressive solid tumours. We founded Trogenix to transform cancer treatment from chronic disease management to potentially curative one-time treatments.
Future research
Beyond glioblastoma, Trogenix is advancing programmes in several other aggressive cancers, including colorectal cancer liver metastases, hepatocellular carcinoma, and lung squamous cell carcinoma.
We are delighted to see Trogenix emerge from stealth mode, following years of research from Professor Pollard’s lab, company formation support from Edinburgh Innovations, and seed funding and investment from Old College Capital, our own in-house venture investment team.
The technology they have developed has the potential to be truly world-changing.