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Funding Boost for Revolver’s Fight Against Childhood Cancer

Published: 28th November 2024

UKI2S > News > Funding Boost for Revolver’s Fight Against Childhood Cancer
  • Revolver Therapeutics, which was spun out of the University of Bath to commercialise its novel transcription factor inhibitors, has completed its initial £150,000 seed round
  • Transcription factors are proteins that help turn specific genes on or off by binding to nearby DNA and function as “master regulators” in cancer
  • The new funding is from UK Innovation Science and Seed Fund (UKI2S), managed by Future Planet Capital, and o2h Ventures, based in Cambridge
  • The investment will be used to progress its novel transcription factor inhibitors discovered using its proprietary Transcription Block Survival assay platform technology
  • The Company is partnering with The Institute of Cancer Research, London to target childhood brain cancers, for which there is no effective treatment and is exploring further applications for adult cancers in parallel
  • The total combined amount of the grant awarded to both partners from the Innovate UK Transforming Cancer Therapeutics programme is £552,000

Revolver Therapeutics is pleased to announce this new funding is from UK Innovation Science and Seed Fund (UKI2S), managed by Future Planet Capital, and from o2h Ventures to progress its transcription factor inhibitors.

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 Company is initially targeting childhood gliomas, for which there is no effective treatment, in collaboration with The Institute of Cancer Research. With this investment, Revolver is now also exploring applications for adult cancers.

Revolver is revolutionising cancer treatment by harnessing its ability to inhibit previously “undruggable” transcription factors. Transcription factors are 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.

The innovative TBS platform, developed from groundbreaking engineering biology research by Professor Jody Mason, discovers peptides that functionally inhibit transcription factors inside cells to overcome the traditional hurdles faced by small molecules and antibodies.

Jody Mason, CSO of Revolver and Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Bath commented on the closing investment:

“Our breakthroughs are truly remarkable. 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 managed by Future Planet Capital commented on the investment:

“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.”

Sunil Shah, CEO of o2h Ventures said:

“We are thrilled to be supporting Revolver Tx, their work in transcription factor inhibition represents a significant advancement, particularly in targeting cancers that have 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.”

Jennifer Rogers from the Technology Transfer Team at the University of Bath added:

“We are delighted to see Revolver Therapeutics, a spin out from the University, successfully attracting investment and moving forwards on its mission to inhibit transcription factors critical for cancer cell proliferation.”

Professor Chris Jones, Professor of Childhood Brain Tumour Biology at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said:

“Paediatric gliomas have their origins in brain development, and many of the novel therapeutic targets we have discovered are transcription factors, which are normally switched off before birth, but remain switched on in the tumours themselves. Until now they have proven very difficult to drug, so it is exciting to be working with Revolver’s peptide technology to consider new ways to target these important molecules.”
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© UKI2S and Future Planet Capital (Ventures) Limited. All Rights Reserved. UKI2S is managed by Future Planet Capital (Ventures) Limited which is Authorised and Regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority FRN 148549. Registered in England and Wales. Company Number 2500898. Registered Address: Future Planet Capital (Ventures) Limited, t/a Midven, 1 Scott Place, 2 Hardman Street, Manchester, M3 3AA.

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