FRAME SHIFT BIO-INCUBATOR ALUMNI
Below, you will find details of companies who have now expanded and moved on from our Frame Shift bio-incubator, to the science parks in and around Cambridge. For further information on space in the bio-incubator, please email our Head of Entrepreneurship Alexandra Huener.
XAP Therapeutics
Frame Shift: 2019-2022
Now based at: Babraham Research Campus
Contact: Co-founder James Patterson
Xap Therapeutics (formerly Rockend), co-founded by Dr James Patterson, is developing a next generation cell-based therapeutic. Their platform is based upon genetically engineered iPSCs, and makes use of multiple new advances across the synthetic biology and genome editing space. Xap aim to develop a non-immunogenic, intelligent and safe drug that could be used for the treatment of cancers, autoimmune diseases and various other unmet medical needs.
ENHANC3D GENOMICS
Start Codon: 2019 – 2021
Frame Shift: 2021 – 2022
Now based at: St John’s Innovation Centre, Cambridge
Contact: CEO Debora Lucarelli
Enhanc3D Genomics is a functional genomics spinout company from the Babraham Institute, leveraging a disruptive technology to profile three-dimensional (3D) genome folding at high resolution. Understanding DNA organisation and long-distance interactions allows to link gene enhancers and non-coding genetic variants to their target genes and holds promise to unlock disease-related genetics for therapeutic discovery. Debora Lucarelli is Enhanc3D Genomics’ CEO and has a keen interest in disruptive technologies that have potential to benefit human healthcare.
Tell us a bit about Enhanc3d Genomics – what inspired you to start the company?
I have spent 15 years working with brilliant minds in academia and biotech industry and came to realise that no matter the setting it all comes down to one thing: “translation of a revolutionising concept to something with strong potential for commercialisation and high impact in human health”. When I met the academic founders of Enhanc3D Genomics, I immediately felt that their research and expertise could significantly impact the advent of precision medicine.
What is most beneficial about starting a company in Cambridge, and particularly in the Milner Institute environment?
The support! The labs are state of the art with access to key equipment, the people are skilled and supportive, and the start-up eco-system is friendly and stimulating. The institute also provides exposure to academic and pharma partners, communications support and networking events as well as high-profile science through seminars and the annual symposium.
What’s next for Enhanc3d Genomics?
Enhanc3D Genomics is paving the way to a new era for therapeutic development by harnessing the power of 3D genomics and integrating multi-OMICs data collected from human samples. Enhancc3D is now completing its infrastructure set-up in preparation for early commercial partnerships, as well as establishing research programmes in immune-related disease for target and biomarker discovery.