Trogenix Launches Groundbreaking Platform for Precision Viral Immunotherapy in Cancer Treatment

Trogenix Ltd has revealed a groundbreaking therapeutic platform aimed at treating aggressive cancers. The company was established by 4BIO Capital and Professor Steve Pollard as a spinout from the University of Edinburgh. Trogenix has developed the Synthetic Super-Enhancer (SSE) platform, known as Odysseus, which allows for precise targeting of cancer cells, potentially transforming cancer treatment to a curative approach rather than chronic disease management.

Leading investors such as IQ Capital, Cancer Research Horizons, the US National Brain Tumor Society’s Brain Tumor Investment Fund, AIN Ventures, and Old College Capital have invested in Trogenix.

Dr. Ken Macnamara, with a background in gene therapy and previous leadership positions at Bayer/AskBio and Synpromics, has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Trogenix. Tay Salimullah, formerly of Novartis Gene Therapies, has joined the Board as Trogenix moves towards clinical development.

Trogenix's focus is on glioblastoma (GBM), the most aggressive form of brain cancer. Current statistics indicate that only 25% of GBM patients survive beyond one year. Preclinical studies of the SSE platform have shown promising results, with curative responses observed without toxicity and evidence of lasting anti-tumour immunity. Plans are underway for Phase 1/2 clinical trials by 2025.

According to Dr. Macnamara, the company's goal is to transform cancer treatment by leveraging the selectivity of their SSE technology, which targets cancer cells while preserving healthy cells and activating the body's immune system to fight tumors. Dmitry Kuzmin, Managing Partner at 4BIO Capital and Founding Chairman of Trogenix, emphasized the potential of Trogenix’s technology to revolutionize cancer treatment by integrating synthetic biology, machine learning, gene therapy, and precision targeting.

SSEs are engineered DNA elements that attract transcription factors specific to aggressive cancer cells, enabling precise and potent gene control. The platform includes multiple safety mechanisms, such as localized delivery through direct tumor injection and self-limiting control. The Odysseus platform attacks cancer by controlled cell killing, immune modulation to counteract tumor-induced immunosuppression, and a 'Trojan Horse' approach that reactivates the immune system to prevent recurrence.

The leadership team at Trogenix is composed of experts from the University of Edinburgh’s UK Centre for Mammalian Synthetic Biology, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, and Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre. Professor Steve Pollard, co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Trogenix, highlighted the platform’s precision in targeting cancer cell states, which results in high selectivity and activation of the immune system against tumors. Early studies in glioblastoma have shown complete responses without toxicity and enduring anti-tumor immunity.

Beyond glioblastoma, Trogenix is also working on treatments for colorectal cancer liver metastases, hepatocellular carcinoma, lung squamous cell carcinoma, and regenerative medicine. The aim is to submit five Investigational New Drug (IND) applications within five years.

As the company advances its platform towards clinical stages, Tay Salimullah has been appointed to the Board of Directors. Salimullah brings over 20 years of experience in rare disease and MedTech sectors, including his tenure at Novartis Gene Therapies where he contributed to the success of Zolgensma®. His background includes roles at Pfizer and expertise in drug development, market access, and healthcare solutions.

Trogenix's Odysseus platform combines technologies in genomics, oncology, immunotherapy, and gene therapy, using AAV vectors to target tumor cells without detection. The SSEs facilitate precise gene control, revealing cancer cells to the immune system and destroying tumor cells. For any residual cancer cells, Trogenix's 'Trojan horse' mechanism reawakens the immune system, aiming for curative, one-time treatments. The lead asset in glioblastoma studies has shown curative potential, indicating a transformative impact on cancer treatment and applications in regenerative medicine.