Company Directory

Small molecule MMR inhibitors to enhance tumour immunogenicity

NeoPhore is a UK immuno-oncology company developing first-in-class small molecule inhibitors of the DNA mismatch repair pathway. By transiently blocking MMR, the company's compounds render tumours MMR-deficient and immunogenic, generating neoantigens that stimulate immune responses against cancer. The approach aims to extend the benefit of existing immunotherapies to patients with solid tumours that do not currently respond. NeoPhore's pipeline targets multiple proteins across the MMR pathway

Clinical-stage biopharma improving nucleoside analogue chemotherapy efficacy

NuCana is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a pipeline of cancer medicines using proprietary phosphoramidate prodrug chemistry. Its approach transforms established nucleoside analogue chemotherapy agents into modified forms that bypass key tumour resistance mechanisms, delivering higher concentrations of active metabolite to cancer cells. Pipeline candidates are in clinical trials for colorectal, pancreatic, biliary tract, and solid tumour indications. NuCana is headquartered in Edinburgh and listed on Nasdaq.

Precision oncology biotech targeting synthetic lethality in cancer

Tessellate Bio is a precision oncology company developing small molecule drugs that exploit synthetic lethality, the principle that certain genetic vulnerabilities in cancer cells can be targeted to selectively kill tumour cells. The company's lead programme targets the FANCM complex in cancers relying on Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT), a DNA damage response pathway implicated in aggressive tumours including glioblastoma. Tessellate Bio is also developing a companion diagnostic to identify ALT-positive patients.

Integrated drug discovery CRO from target to clinical candidate

Sygnature Discovery is a UK-headquartered integrated drug discovery contract research organisation. Operating from sites in Nottingham, Alderley Park, and Glasgow, the company provides end-to-end drug discovery services spanning target identification, medicinal chemistry, in vitro bioscience, structural biology, computational chemistry, DMPK, in vivo pharmacology, and drug formulation. Sygnature serves global pharma, biotech, and not-for-profit organisations, and has contributed to over 56 pre-clinical and 35 clinical compounds since its founding.

Sperm DNA fragmentation diagnostics for male fertility assessment

Examen is a Belfast-based diagnostics company specialising in male reproductive health. Its proprietary assay-based technology measures single-strand and double-strand sperm DNA breaks to provide a clinically actionable assessment of male fertility beyond conventional semen analysis parameters. Tests are MHRA-registered and ISO-accredited, and are used by approximately 80% of leading fertility clinics across the UK and Ireland, with expanding reach into Europe.

DNA damage response platform targeting hard-to-treat solid tumours

Artios Pharma is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing small molecule therapeutics that target DNA damage response pathways in cancer cells. The company's pipeline includes alnodesertib, an ATR inhibitor advancing toward late-stage development in ATM-deficient solid tumours, and ART6043, a DNA polymerase theta inhibitor. Artios also has pre-clinical DDR-ADC programmes combining its DDR expertise with antibody-drug conjugate technology.

Precision oncology biotech targeting novel DNA damage response pathways

Nodus Oncology is a preclinical-stage biotechnology company developing small molecule inhibitors against novel DNA damage response targets for molecularly defined cancer patient populations. The company's pipeline is focused on synthetic lethality and collateral vulnerabilities in tumours with specific DNA repair deficiencies. Lead programmes include a best-in-class PARG inhibitor and a first-in-class DNA replication inhibitor targeting replication stress. Nodus was founded by Cumulus Oncology and operates in partnership with the Lead Discovery Center in Dortmund.

Precision oncology drug discovery via targeted protein degradation

Dark Blue Therapeutics is a precision oncology biotech focused on discovering and developing first-in-class small molecule drugs. The company applies targeted protein degradation to exploit novel cancer vulnerabilities, with a lead programme targeting the MLLT1/3 proteins implicated in acute myeloid leukaemia. Its pipeline is built on cancer biology originating from the University of Oxford, matched to molecularly defined patient populations to address unmet clinical need.

Small molecule inhibitors targeting somatic expansion in neurodegeneration

LoQus23 Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing oral small molecule inhibitors of DNA mismatch repair for the treatment of Huntington's disease and other triplet repeat expansion disorders. The company targets MutSβ, a protein complex whose aberrant activity drives somatic expansion and progressive neurodegeneration. Its lead candidate, LQT-23, was nominated in January 2026 and is advancing towards IND/CTA filing.

First-in-class small molecule therapeutics targeting DNA uracilation in cancer

CV6 Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing first-in-class small molecule drugs for cancer and inflammatory diseases. Its lead asset CV6-168 is a specific inhibitor of the enzyme dUTPase, inducing uracil misincorporation into cancer cell DNA, triggering DNA damage and immune activation. CV6-168 is in a Phase 1a multi-centre clinical trial in patients with advanced solid tumours. A second asset, CV6-1271, targeting inflammatory disease, is in preclinical development.

Academic cancer research institute and drug discoverer

The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) is an independent research institute and member institution of the University of London, specialising in cancer biology, drug discovery, genetics, and precision radiotherapy. Working closely with the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, the ICR has discovered cancer medicines including abiraterone, olaparib, and carboplatin. The institute operates an in-house drug discovery centre, conducts research across eight scientific divisions, and establishes spin-out companies to translate discoveries towards clinical benefit.

Cancer Research UK's translational and commercialisation arm

Cancer Research Horizons is the translational subsidiary of Cancer Research UK, operating at the interface between academic research and industry. The organisation combines in-house drug discovery expertise across six UK sites with technology transfer, licensing, and early-stage venture investment activities. It supports researchers in protecting and commercialising innovations, builds partnerships with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and provides seed funding and business development support to cancer-focused start-ups.