Cambridge, UK, 7 January 2019: Cambridge Epigenetix Ltd, a pioneer in
the development and application of epigenetic technologies, today
announces its discovery and development programme for a test to detect
colorectal and other cancers. This follows completion of a c. $30
million funding round, as well as the acquisition of exclusive patent
rights for its epigenetic sequencing platform.
Epigenetic changes act as a control layer for the genome and can alter
gene expression, but not the genetic code itself. These alterations
may involve the presence of small chemical groups on the building
blocks, or nucleotide bases, which make up DNA. DNA from cancer cells
has a distinct epigenetic signature, and this is the basis for the use
of epigenetic tests in cancer testing.
“The global burden of colorectal cancer (CRC) is expected to
increase by 60% to more than 2.2 million new cases and 1.1 million
deaths by 2030,”[i] stated Dr David Johnson MD, MACG, FASGE, MACP,
Professor of Medicine and Chief of Gastroenterology at Eastern
Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, who serves as a member of the
company’s clinical advisory board. “Detection of CRC remains a
challenge, and the availability of a non-invasive, easy-to-administer
and affordable screening test as our first initiative could transform
the diagnosis, detection and treatment of pre-cancerous lesions and
CRC.” Dr Johnson has previously been President of the American
College of Gastroenterology and has played a pivotal role in shaping
the dialogue around colon cancer screening and early detection. He was
instrumental in putting through the historic first legislation to
mandate colon cancer screening using colonoscopy as the preferred
standard in the state of Virginia, USA.
In support of its mission, the company has been granted broad and
exclusive patent rights (US Patent number 10,041,938) for the use of
epigenetic modification 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) as a diagnostic
biomarker for cancer. Cambridge Epigenetix is using proprietary
technology for analysing 5hmC in circulating free DNA (cfDNA) to
develop a test for detection of CRC. The company is currently
conducting a large discovery study with over 2,000 patient samples,
including healthy volunteers, and individuals with adenomas and all
stages of CRC. This study follows encouraging preliminary results from
profiling 5hmC in over 200 CRC and healthy volunteer cfDNA
samples.[ii] Several independent studies have indicated that measuring
5hmC in plasma circulating cfDNA is effective for non-invasive cancer
detection. [iii],[iv]
Sir Shankar Balasubramanian, co-founder of Cambridge Epigenetix, FRS,
FMedSci, Herchel Smith Professor of Medicinal Chemistry in the
Department of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge, said:
“Cambridge Epigenetix’s 5hmC platform analyses some of the
earliest markers of cancer development in patients’ blood samples to
detect disease. Ultimately, our aim is to develop a diagnostic test
that can detect multiple cancers from one standard blood draw.”
The latest round of secured funding will advance the company’s
proprietary technology platform, which enables the sensitive and
specific detection of epigenetic biomarkers for cancer in blood and
other liquid biopsy samples. Ahren Innovation Capital (UK) led the
funding round with current US-based supporters GV, New Sciences
Ventures and Sequoia Capital. Additionally, new investors – including
DNA Capital (Brazil) – also participated, bringing the total amount
raised by the company since founding to $56.5 million.
Alice Newcombe-Ellis, Founder & Managing Partner, Ahren Innovation
Capital, said: “Cancer detection through liquid biopsy has the
possibility of transforming human health. Our investment will help
Cambridge Epigenetix build on its strong intellectual property
foundation, based on the research conducted by Sir Shankar
Balasubramanian and Professor Anjana Rao.”
Cambridge Epigenetix also announces the appointment of Dr Suman
Shirodkar, MBBS, PhD as the CEO of the company. Dr Shirodkar has
extensive leadership experience in the industry and will lead the next
phase of development of the diagnostic test. Prior to joining
Cambridge Epigenetix, Dr Shirodkar led product teams in oncology, HIV,
and cardiovascular medicine at Pfizer and Novartis.
“It is a very exciting time to be leading Cambridge Epigenetix”
commented Dr Suman Shirodkar. “Our ability to detect 5hmC in
circulating, cell-free DNA, and the discovery and development of a
liquid biopsy signature for tumours, could revolutionise cancer care
and decrease cancer mortality through widespread screening, early
detection and timely intervention. I am excited to lead the talented
team at Cambridge Epigenetix for the development and launch of the
first of many tests to detect cancer”.
