Trogenix, a biotech company dedicated to developing innovative therapies for cancer treatment, announced the closing of its Series A financing round at £70 million (approximately $95 million). This funding will accelerate the development of its robust pipeline of potentially curative cancer therapies targeting multiple forms of aggressive solid tumors, moving them swiftly into clinical trial phases.
The Series A financing was led by IQ Capital and included participation of several key players in the investment community. Founding investor 4BIO Capital was joined by returning contributors such as Cancer Research Horizons and the Brain Tumor Investment Fund. New investors, including Eli Lilly and Company, Meltwind, LongeVC, and Calculus Capital, along with several undisclosed private investors, also participated, demonstrating a collective belief in Trogenix’s groundbreaking potential.
This significant investment underscores the transformative and curative potential of Trogenix’s precision genetic medicines, which are underpinned by the company’s sophisticated Odysseus platform. This platform is designed to identify and effectively target the universal vulnerabilities associated with solid tumors, enabling a more personalized approach to cancer therapy.
Trogenix’s technology delivers highly efficacious combination treatment payloads that not only target and destroy cancerous cells but also stimulate the immune system. Importantly, this mechanism leaves healthy surrounding tissue largely unaffected, thus presenting a promising shift in the treatment paradigm for cancer patients.
Trogenix is at the forefront of transforming cancer care by leveraging the dual power of targeting cancer cells while simultaneously activating immune responses. Utilizing a meticulously crafted Trojan Horse strategy, the company reawakens the immune system, providing long-lasting protection against the recurrence of tumors. A central element of Trogenix’s precision cancer treatments is its proprietary Synthetic Super Enhancers (SSEs). These SSEs are uniquely activated by focusing on the distinct identities of diseased cell states rather than targeting individual genes.
This approach allows for the precise control of two crucial therapeutic payloads: a cytotoxic prodrug-converting enzyme, which effectively destroys cancer cells, and an immune-stimulating cytokine that enhances the body’s immune response. Trogenix’s SSEs are intricately designed using the company’s proprietary Odysseus® technology, which employs rigorous identification and optimization processes to pinpoint targets within cancer cells, rapidly generating candidates with manufacturable profiles that are ready for preclinical development.
Currently, Trogenix’s lead program is focused on glioblastoma (GBM), recognized as one of the most aggressive and treatment-resistant brain cancers. With the initial stages advancing toward clinical trials, the company anticipates the first patient dosing to occur in the first quarter of 2026.
The reality is that only 25% of GBM patients survive beyond one year, and despite decades of extensive research and considerable financial investment, viable treatment options remain woefully limited. Additionally, the company is pursuing a follow-on program addressing colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM), a condition affecting a notable proportion (at least 25%) of colorectal cancer patients, which is the third most prevalent cancer globally.
Beyond its lead and follow-on programs, Trogenix is committed to expanding its pipeline to tackle other aggressive solid cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma and non-small cell lung carcinoma. With this strategic focus on developing groundbreaking therapies, Trogenix aims to make a lasting impact on the future of cancer treatment, potentially offering hope to countless patients facing these daunting diagnoses.
KEY QUOTES:
“This significant investment accelerates our lead programme in glioblastoma and follow-on programme in colorectal cancer liver metastases through the clinic, advances our pipeline in liver and lung cancers, and further enhances our Odysseus® platform. We are honoured to have the support of existing and new investors who share our mission to deliver breakthrough treatments and pursue cures for the thousands of patients and families facing devastating diagnoses each year.”
Ken Macnamara, Chief Executive Officer at Trogenix
“Our outsized investment in Trogenix in today’s selective funding landscape reflects our confidence in the company’s world-leading science, exceptional management team and a clear roadmap for delivery both in the clinic and commercially. We are particularly excited by the potential opportunities ahead across Trogenix’s pipeline and look forward to our future collaboration.”
Max Bautin, Co-founder and Managing Partner at lead investor, IQ Capital
“Trogenix’s platform technology is a powerful example of the innovation we seek to accelerate. Representing our largest investment to date, this partnership reflects our commitment to advancing science with the potential to transform cancer treatment. As they advance into clinical trials for glioblastoma, one of the hardest to treat cancers, we’re pleased to support a team whose work could reshape therapeutic approaches and improve outcomes for patients facing the greatest need.”
Iain Foulkes, Chief Executive Officer at Cancer Research Horizons
“We are proud to have supported Trogenix through the initial incubation stage and spin-out from the University of Edinburgh, and are very happy to continue our support alongside this strong syndicate. It is exciting to see the company forge ahead with its clinical development to deliver a pioneering portfolio of cancer therapies to patients in need.”
Dima Kuzmin, Co-founder and Managing Partner at founding investor, 4BIO Capital, and Chairman of Trogenix
