Company Directory

Small molecule drug discovery targeting rare genetic diseases and oncology

Tay Therapeutics is a drug discovery company developing targeted small molecule therapies for rare genetic diseases and cancer. Its platform uses stop codon read-through technology to restore production of functional proteins disrupted by premature stop codon mutations, with programmes targeting oncology, cystic fibrosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and epidermolysis bullosa. The company previously discovered and out-licensed two BET inhibitor programmes to VYNE Therapeutics, which are advancing in clinical trials for immuno-inflammatory conditions.

Preventing cancer therapy side effects with topical medicines

VasoDynamics is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical development company focused on preventing the debilitating side effects of cancer therapy. The company develops topical formulations targeting radiation-induced oral mucositis, dermatitis, and chemotherapy-induced hair loss, using vasoconstrictor and radioprotective compounds. Its technology platform, based on IP licensed from leading UK and US research institutions, has progressed through Phase Ib and Phase IIa clinical trials. VasoDynamics serves oncology patients undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Immunometabolism-targeting small molecules for autoimmune disease

Sitryx Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing oral small molecule therapeutics that modulate immune cell metabolism to achieve disease remission in autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. The company's approach targets novel metabolic enzymes within immune cells, with lead programmes in atopic dermatitis and psoriatic arthritis. Founded by researchers in immunology and metabolism, Sitryx has attracted investment from major pharmaceutical companies and specialist life science funds.

Topical peptide therapeutics targeting inflammatory skin disease

Carocell Bio is a pre-clinical stage biotechnology company developing proprietary peptide-based therapeutics for inflammatory diseases. Its pipeline centres on topical formulations that inhibit mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK/p38), a key regulator of the inflammatory cascade. Lead programmes target atopic dermatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, burns and scarring. Candidates are formulated using nanoparticle delivery systems to enhance skin penetration, and have demonstrated activity in human biopsy studies.

Ex vivo human skin models for pharmaceutical and cosmetic testing

Ten Bio is a contract research organisation providing ex vivo human skin research services to pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and medical device companies. Its patented platform mechanically tensions surgically sourced human skin to replicate the mechanobiology of intact living tissue, maintaining viability for up to two weeks. Applications include topical drug delivery, transdermal absorption, wound healing, aesthetic treatments, and pre-clinical safety testing, offering a human-relevant alternative to animal models.

Non-invasive skin epigenomics platform for clinical and cosmetic research

Mitra Bio is a contract research organisation providing a non-invasive skin epigenomics platform to pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies conducting clinical trials on dermatological and age-reversal interventions. Using tape-strip skin sampling combined with whole-genome DNA methylation sequencing and bioinformatic analysis, the company generates biological age assessments and predictive biomarkers to evaluate treatment efficacy and guide compound development. Mitra Bio also collaborates with clinical partners on epigenetic approaches to melanoma screening.

Clinical skin microbiome testing and multi-omic ingredient analysis platform

Sequential Skin is a biotechnology company providing non-invasive clinical microbiome testing and multi-omic analysis services to the personal care and pharmaceutical industries. Using patch-based sampling and next-generation sequencing, the company quantifies how ingredients and formulations affect the skin microbiome and host biomarkers. Its proprietary dataset of over 50,000 samples and 4,000 ingredients underpins an AI-powered discovery engine for identifying and optimising next-generation bioactive compounds.

Small molecule therapies for keratin-related skin disorders

Mariposa Therapeutics is a Welsh preclinical biopharma company developing disease-modifying treatments for epidermolysis bullosa simplex and other keratin-related skin disorders. Its lead compound, MP5219, is a synthetic analogue of ajoene that activates surrogate keratin expression to compensate for the underlying genetic defect. The company spun out from Neem Biotech and has secured £750k in seed funding led by the Development Bank of Wales with co-investment from rare disease charity DEBRA Research.

Steroid-free topical therapeutics for chronic inflammatory skin conditions

Gran Lab is a Belfast-based biopharma company developing steroid-free topical formulations for chronic inflammatory dermatoses including psoriasis and eczema. The lead investigational product targets the IL-17A/SIRT1/STAT3 signalling axis implicated in skin inflammation, aiming to modulate cytokine activity and restore skin barrier function without the systemic risks associated with prolonged corticosteroid use. The product has been evaluated in studies involving over 300 patients, with clinical trials and regulatory submissions planned ahead of a 2026 market entry.

Non-invasive mitochondrial DNA damage testing for skin health research

Skin Life Analytics is a biotechnology company providing PCR-based testing services that quantify mitochondrial DNA damage in skin using non-invasive swab sampling. The technology detects molecular markers of skin ageing, UV damage, and environmental stress before visible signs appear. Services include direct testing for aesthetic clinics, contract laboratory projects for cosmetic ingredient and brand R&D. The platform also measures nuclear DNA damage and oxidative stress biomarkers to support evidence generation for skincare products.

Virus-like particle therapeutics for chronic inflammatory skin conditions

Glen Clova Scientific is a biotechnology company developing active biologic drugs for chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, with an initial focus on immuno-dermatology. Its proprietary virus-like particle platform is designed to induce targeted immune responses against self-produced proteins that drive disease, offering a potential alternative to conventional biologics with simpler dosing and lower manufacturing costs. The company's preclinical pipeline includes candidates for senile pruritus, atopic dermatitis, and eczema.

Novel antibiotic-sparing therapeutics for chronic wound care

ONYA Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing novel pharmaceutical treatments for acute and chronic wounds. The company's pipeline centres on a patented controlled-release drug delivery technology designed to manage wound exudate and reduce reliance on antibiotics, addressing antimicrobial resistance in wound care settings. Lead assets are progressing through pre-clinical and early clinical development, targeting chronic wounds including diabetic foot ulcers. ONYA serves healthcare providers and clinical partners seeking alternatives to antibiotic-dependent wound management.