Scottish biotech Trogenix has closed a $95 million Series A financing round, anchored by major pharmaceutical investor Eli Lilly, to propel its “Trojan horse” gene therapy platform for brain cancer into clinical development. The round, led by European venture firm IQ Capital with participation from 4BIO Capital, Cancer Research Horizons, the Brain Tumor Investment Fund, and new investors Meltwind, LongeVC, and Calculus Capital, represents Cancer Research Horizons’ largest single company investment to date.
Trogenix’s technology, branded Odysseus, uses engineered synthetic super enhancers (SSEs)—special DNA sequences only activated within diseased cancer cells—to precisely deliver dual therapeutic payloads via adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors directly into tumors. The lead program targets glioblastoma, one of the deadliest and most treatment-resistant brain cancers, with the two-pronged approach: one payload converts a prodrug into a tumor-killing toxin, while the other triggers local immune attack with interleukin-12 (IL-12) expression.
Founded in 2023 as a spinout from the University of Edinburgh, Trogenix emerged from stealth in late 2024 and has rapidly attracted high-profile backers due to its potential to shift the paradigm in precision oncology for “undruggable” solid tumors.
Subscribe to our e-Newsletters
Stay up to date with the latest news, articles, and events. Plus, get special offers
from American Pharmaceutical Review – all delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up now!