A University of Bath spin-out has been awarded funding to explore new ways of targeting tough-to-treat childhood cancers.
The £552,000 investment will enable Revolver Therapeutics to develop a potential new type of cancer treatment.
It is looking to do this by harnessing the ability to inhibit previously ‘undruggable’ transcription factors – proteins that help turn specific genes on or off by binding to nearby DNA in the cell nucleus and function as ‘master regulators’ in cancer.
These novel peptide inhibitors were discovered using Revolver’s proprietary Transcription Block Survival (TBS) assay platform technology, which was spun out of the University of Bath.
The innovative platform is based on ground-breaking engineering biology research by Revolver CSO and Professor of Biochemistry in the University of Bath’s Department of Life Sciences Jody Mason.
The research discovered that peptides that functionally inhibit transcription factors inside cells can overcome the traditional hurdles faced by small molecules and antibodies.
The company is initially targeting childhood gliomas, for which there is no effective treatment, in collaboration with The Institute of Cancer Research.
The new investment – from the UK Innovation Science and Seed Fund (UKI2S) and o2h Ventures – means Revolver will also be able to explore applications for adult cancers at the same time as those for childhood cancers.
Jody Mason described the firm’s breakthroughs as “truly remarkable”.
She added: “We’ve achieved anti-tumour effects while simultaneously solving the cellular penetration challenges that have hindered delivery of biologics in the past.
“We hope to make a significant impact in cancer treatment for childhood gliomas and beyond.”
Oliver Sexton, investment director at UKI2S – which is managed by Future Planet Capital – said: “Revolver Therapeutics is pioneering an exciting new approach to cancer treatment by targeting transcription factors – proteins that have been tough to tackle in cancer research until now.
“Their novel platform produces first-in-class, cell-penetrating peptides with an excellent product profile, and with this investment they are now advancing their first therapeutic assets.
“We’re proud to support Revolver’s team as they bring this innovative science closer to helping patients facing challenging cancers.”
O2h Ventures CEO Sunil Shah said Revolver Therapeutics’ work in transcription factor inhibition represented a significant advancement, particularly in targeting cancers that had been challenging to treat effectively.
“At o2h Ventures, we are dedicated to backing innovative science and an exceptional team with the potential for real impact, and we see Revolver’s platform as a world-class solution that aligns with our mission to support breakthroughs in human health,” she added.
Revolver Therapeutics spun out from the University of Bath with support from the Technology Transfer team in Research and Innovation Services (RIS).
Technology Transfer Team consultant (life sciences technology transfer) Jennifer Rogers said: “We are delighted to see Revolver Therapeutics successfully attracting investment and moving forwards on its mission to inhibit transcription factors critical for cancer cell proliferation."
