Company Directory

Colorimetric assay kits for extracellular matrix analysis and quantification

Biocolor is a Northern Ireland manufacturer of dye-based, colorimetric assay kits for the quantitative analysis of extracellular matrix biomolecules. Its product range covers collagen, elastin, sulfated glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, hyaluronic acid, and apoptosis, using a simple dye-binding method compatible with standard laboratory spectrophotometers. Kits are widely cited in scientific literature and used in research across connective tissue biology, drug discovery, and bioengineering.

Mitochondrial sulfide-donor therapeutics for obesity and myopathies

MitoRx Therapeutics is a company developing first-in-class small molecule therapeutics that target mitochondrial sulfide signalling, a mechanism implicated in metabolic dysfunction and muscle disease. Its lead programme is an injectable mitochondria-targeted sulfide donor designed to achieve fat loss without lean mass loss, positioning it as a differentiated alternative to GLP-1 receptor agonists. Preclinical studies have also demonstrated efficacy in models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and Alzheimer's disease.

Tissue-targeted gene and RNA delivery platforms for rare and neurological disease

Dawn Therapeutics is a pre-clinical biotechnology company developing precision delivery platforms for genetic medicines targeting the central nervous system, cartilage, and bone. Its transferrin receptor-guided system is designed to cross the blood-brain barrier and deliver RNA or DNA payloads to neuronal tissues, while a complementary system targets cartilage and joint structures. The lead programme is an investigational lentiviral vector delivering a functional gene for Hurler syndrome, a lysosomal storage disorder.

Perfluorocarbon oxygen carrier therapeutic and MRI imaging agent for acute stroke

Aurum Biosciences is a Scottish clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing ABL-101, a perfluorocarbon-based oxygen carrier that bypasses arterial clots to deliver oxygen to ischaemic tissue via collateral vessels. The lead indication is acute ischaemic stroke, with ABL-101 having completed Phase 1 and 2a human studies under MHRA approval. The company has also developed GOLD, a proprietary MRI metabolic imaging technique using ABL-101 to identify salvageable brain tissue, and a 19F MRI platform for inflammation imaging.

Immunometabolism drugs for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases

Istesso is a drug discovery and development company working in immunometabolism, developing oral small molecule therapies that reprogram cellular metabolism to treat autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Its lead candidate is a first-in-class metabolic reprogramming agent for rheumatoid arthritis with a dual mechanism targeting both inflammation and bone degradation, and has completed Phase 2a trials. The pipeline extends to multiple sclerosis and pulmonary fibrosis. Istesso holds a licence agreement with Janssen Biotech.

TSG-6 protein therapeutics for inflammatory and degenerative disease

Link Biologics is a preclinical-stage biotechnology company developing protein therapeutics based on TSG-6, an endogenous human protein with anti-inflammatory and tissue-protective properties. Spun out from the University of Manchester in 2021, the company is advancing its lead asset, Link_TSG6, across programmes in dry eye disease and osteoarthritis. A licensing partnership with Théa Open Innovation supports development of the dry eye programme toward clinical trials.

RNA therapeutics targeting cellular senescence and age-related disease

Senisca is a preclinical-stage biotechnology company developing oligonucleotide and small molecule therapeutics that reverse cellular senescence by restoring RNA splicing factor activity. Its platform targets the molecular mechanisms of cellular ageing and has broad applicability across multiple age-related diseases. Lead indications include idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, osteoarthritis, and age-related macular degeneration. The company also pursues a cosmeceutical programme targeting aesthetic signs of skin ageing.

Controlled-release orthobiologics for spinal fusion and bone repair

Locate Bio is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing a portfolio of orthobiologic products for musculoskeletal surgery. Its proprietary Programmed Drug Release platform encapsulates recombinant proteins within biodegradable polymer scaffolds to enable controlled, extended-release delivery. Lead product LDGraft is an rhBMP-2 bone graft substitute in clinical trial for lumbar interbody fusion, having received FDA Breakthrough Device Designation. The pipeline also includes synthetic bone graft substitutes and antibiotic-eluting scaffolds for osteomyelitis.

DNA-based gene therapy platform for intercellular therapeutic gene delivery

Bitrobius Genetics is a UK biotech developing a novel DNA-based gene therapy platform technology designed to deliver functional copies of mutated genes to cells within a target tissue or organ. Its platform is based on the principle of DNA replication and intercellular transmission, aiming to achieve broad tissue coverage from a single delivery event. It is targeting genetic diseases affecting musculoskeletal and metabolic systems.

CBD-based licensed medicines for chronic inflammatory pain

Ananda Pharma is an AQSE-listed UK biotechnology company developing pharmaceutical-grade cannabidiol formulations as licensed medicines for chronic inflammatory pain conditions. The company focuses on essentially THC-free CBD products manufactured to UK pharmaceutical standards, targeting conditions including musculoskeletal pain where current treatments are inadequate. Its pipeline is supported by clinical trial partnerships with academic researchers and informed by a substantial NICE evidence review into CBD for chronic pain.

MicroRNA therapeutics for tendon and musculoskeletal disease

Causeway Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing first-in-class microRNA therapies for musculoskeletal and age-related conditions. Its lead asset TenoMiR (CWT-001) is a synthetic miR-29a mimic delivered by single intratendinous injection that promotes collagen remodelling and tendon repair. Lead indications are lateral epicondylitis and rotator cuff tendinopathy, with Phase 2 data reported in 2025 and Phase 3 planned. The pipeline includes additional programmes targeting cardiovascular disease and intervertebral disc disease.

Injectable biomaterial gel to treat degenerative disc disease

Orthoson is a medtech company developing micro-invasive injectable treatments for chronic back pain caused by degenerative disc disease. Its lead product, a patented pNIPAM-DMAc co-polymer hydrogel, is designed to be injected into the intervertebral disc, where it gels in-situ to restore the mechanical and biological function of the nucleus pulposus. The technology has received FDA Breakthrough Device Designation and is being developed in collaboration with the University of Oxford and the University of Sheffield.