BioTryp Therapeutics Raises Pre-Seed Funding to advance its novel biofilm-inhibiting technology
Published on 20/09/2024
Cambridge, UK: BioTryp Therapeutics, an award-winning drug discovery spin-out from the University of Cambridge, has raised £300k in pre-seed funding to advance the development of its novel anti-biofilm compounds. Following BioTryp’s participation in the inaugural Founders at the University of Cambridge Accelerator, the funding round comprised investment from QUBIS Innovation Fund, as well as Cambridge Enterprise Ventures and Parkwalk Advisors.
BioTryp Therapeutics, launched early in 2024, is founded on more than eight years of research at the University of Cambridge. Its technology aims to tackle the global problem of biofilm-associated infections. 60-80% of bacterial infections manifest as biofilms, whose complex structure protects the constituent bacteria from both antibiotics and the host immune system, making infections difficult to treat. Biofilms often act as a reservoir of pathogenic bacteria and hence are drivers of recurrent infections. This is a particular challenge in the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs), which affect 400 million people annually across the globe, with a high rate of recurrence. Additionally, UTI biofilms may lead to bacteraemia when bacteria enter the bloodstream, with around 20-30% of cases proving fatal. BioTryp’s compounds are designed as an add-on to traditional antibiotics, to accelerate infection clearance and prevent recurrence by inhibiting the formation of these recalcitrant biofilms. BioTryp scientists have already demonstrated proof-of-concept in the inhibition of E. coli biofilms, a pathogen responsible for up to 80% of UTIs.
BioTryp Therapeutics, launched early in 2024, is founded on more than eight years of research at the University of Cambridge. Its technology aims to tackle the global problem of biofilm-associated infections. 60-80% of bacterial infections manifest as biofilms, whose complex structure protects the constituent bacteria from both antibiotics and the host immune system, making infections difficult to treat. Biofilms often act as a reservoir of pathogenic bacteria and hence are drivers of recurrent infections. This is a particular challenge in the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs), which affect 400 million people annually across the globe, with a high rate of recurrence. Additionally, UTI biofilms may lead to bacteraemia when bacteria enter the bloodstream, with around 20-30% of cases proving fatal. BioTryp’s compounds are designed as an add-on to traditional antibiotics, to accelerate infection clearance and prevent recurrence by inhibiting the formation of these recalcitrant biofilms. BioTryp scientists have already demonstrated proof-of-concept in the inhibition of E. coli biofilms, a pathogen responsible for up to 80% of UTIs.
This funding marks an important milestone for the company and will be used to progress BioTryp’s medicinal chemistry programme. It will facilitate essential chemistry and testing to identify the most promising compounds to be taken further into pre-clinical development. On the commercial side, the funding will allow engagement with pharma, regulators and development bodies to ensure successful progress throughout pre-clinical and clinical trials.
Ash Zarkan, CEO, said, “This is a crucial milestone for BioTryp and we are thrilled to have the support of QUBIS Innovation Fund, Parkwalk Advisors and Cambridge Enterprise Ventures on this journey. This investment builds on over a million Pounds in grant funding that supported the background research at the University of Cambridge, and we are excited to have the chance to further develop our compounds to tackle this major unmet clinical need.”
Amanda Wooding, Deputy Head of Cambridge Enterprise Ventures, said “Congratulations to BioTryp for securing this investment during their participation in the Start 1.0 cohort of Founders at the University of Cambridge. It’s fantastic to be part of their journey. Enabling companies like BioTryp to address significant unmet needs for the benefit of society is at the core of Cambridge Enterprise Ventures activities, providing patient capital from the University of Cambridge balance sheet to unlock syndicated investments.”
Anne Dobrée, Investment Director, Parkwalk Advisors, said, "We're delighted to support BioTryp in their mission to combat biofilm-associated infections. Their innovative technology, developed at the University of Cambridge, shows great promise in addressing a critical global health challenge. This funding will accelerate BioTryp's medicinal chemistry programme, bringing us closer to a potential breakthrough in treating persistent bacterial infections, particularly UTIs. We're excited to be part of BioTryp's journey as they work towards transforming infection treatment and improving patient outcomes worldwide."
Oisin Lappin, from the QUBIS Innovation Fund, said “We are excited to support the BioTryp team at this stage. They are developing a technology with the potential to make a meaningful impact, and we congratulate Ash and the team for their progress to date.”
BioTryp is a member of Empirical Venture Studio, and is advised by Drs Ben Miles and Johnathan Matlock. The company also won the Trinity Bradfield Hellings Prize earlier this year, and recently secured an Innovate UK Business Growth grant to support a collaborative project with the UK’s Medicines Discovery Catapult.
About BioTryp Therapeutics
BioTryp Therapeutics is a biotech spin-out company developing novel anti-biofilm drugs to address recalcitrant and recurrent bacterial infections. Our mission is to change the paradigm of managing and treating bacterial infections, supporting global efforts to combat the increasing ineffectiveness of traditional antibiotic therapy. Learn more about BioTryp here.
About Sapphire Capital Partners LLP (Manager of the QUBIS Innovation Fund)
Sapphire is a multi-award-winning investment management firm authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Sapphire manages over 50+ funds across a range of industries and sectors including deep tech, agri-tech and more. Learn more about Sapphire here
About Cambridge Enterprise Ventures and Founders at the University of Cambridge
Cambridge Enterprise Ventures is the investment arm of the University of Cambridge. It supports a diverse range of entrepreneurs and founders by investing University of Cambridge capital into high potential, high impact early-stage businesses. Learn more about Cambridge Enterprise Ventures here.
Founders at the University of Cambridge is a new strategic initiative, delivered by Cambridge Enterprise, building on University and commercialisation expertise to accelerate the real-world translation of pioneering research. Learn more about this programme here.
About Parkwalk Advisors
Parkwalk is a leading technology investor, and is the UK’s most active investor in university spin-outs. Learn more about Parkwalk here.
For press enquiries, please contact Dr Ashraf Zarkan at ash@biotryp.com
Ash Zarkan, CEO, said, “This is a crucial milestone for BioTryp and we are thrilled to have the support of QUBIS Innovation Fund, Parkwalk Advisors and Cambridge Enterprise Ventures on this journey. This investment builds on over a million Pounds in grant funding that supported the background research at the University of Cambridge, and we are excited to have the chance to further develop our compounds to tackle this major unmet clinical need.”
Amanda Wooding, Deputy Head of Cambridge Enterprise Ventures, said “Congratulations to BioTryp for securing this investment during their participation in the Start 1.0 cohort of Founders at the University of Cambridge. It’s fantastic to be part of their journey. Enabling companies like BioTryp to address significant unmet needs for the benefit of society is at the core of Cambridge Enterprise Ventures activities, providing patient capital from the University of Cambridge balance sheet to unlock syndicated investments.”
Anne Dobrée, Investment Director, Parkwalk Advisors, said, "We're delighted to support BioTryp in their mission to combat biofilm-associated infections. Their innovative technology, developed at the University of Cambridge, shows great promise in addressing a critical global health challenge. This funding will accelerate BioTryp's medicinal chemistry programme, bringing us closer to a potential breakthrough in treating persistent bacterial infections, particularly UTIs. We're excited to be part of BioTryp's journey as they work towards transforming infection treatment and improving patient outcomes worldwide."
Oisin Lappin, from the QUBIS Innovation Fund, said “We are excited to support the BioTryp team at this stage. They are developing a technology with the potential to make a meaningful impact, and we congratulate Ash and the team for their progress to date.”
BioTryp is a member of Empirical Venture Studio, and is advised by Drs Ben Miles and Johnathan Matlock. The company also won the Trinity Bradfield Hellings Prize earlier this year, and recently secured an Innovate UK Business Growth grant to support a collaborative project with the UK’s Medicines Discovery Catapult.
About BioTryp Therapeutics
BioTryp Therapeutics is a biotech spin-out company developing novel anti-biofilm drugs to address recalcitrant and recurrent bacterial infections. Our mission is to change the paradigm of managing and treating bacterial infections, supporting global efforts to combat the increasing ineffectiveness of traditional antibiotic therapy. Learn more about BioTryp here.
About Sapphire Capital Partners LLP (Manager of the QUBIS Innovation Fund)
Sapphire is a multi-award-winning investment management firm authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Sapphire manages over 50+ funds across a range of industries and sectors including deep tech, agri-tech and more. Learn more about Sapphire here
About Cambridge Enterprise Ventures and Founders at the University of Cambridge
Cambridge Enterprise Ventures is the investment arm of the University of Cambridge. It supports a diverse range of entrepreneurs and founders by investing University of Cambridge capital into high potential, high impact early-stage businesses. Learn more about Cambridge Enterprise Ventures here.
Founders at the University of Cambridge is a new strategic initiative, delivered by Cambridge Enterprise, building on University and commercialisation expertise to accelerate the real-world translation of pioneering research. Learn more about this programme here.
About Parkwalk Advisors
Parkwalk is a leading technology investor, and is the UK’s most active investor in university spin-outs. Learn more about Parkwalk here.
For press enquiries, please contact Dr Ashraf Zarkan at ash@biotryp.com
