Cambridge Epigenetix accesses $5.5m

Cambridge Epigenetix, a life sciences spin-out of Cambridge University, has raised $5.5m in its series A funding round led by New Science Ventures. Cambridge Enterprise, the commercialisation arm of the university, and Syncona Partners also joined the round.

The news follows the announcement that the spin-out appointed Fedja Bobanovic as its new chief executive in April 2014.

The spin-out, incorporated in 2012, is based on research by Shankar Balasubramanian, professor at Cambridge’s Department of Chemistry. It exploits discoveries around epigenetics – the study of heritable changes caused by a modification of gene expression rather than of the DNA sequence – and personalised medicine. Its core product is TrueMethyl, which has enabled several breakthroughs in epigenetics.

Fedja Bobanovic, chief executive at Cambridge Epigenetix, said: “Cambridge Epigenetix plans to use the funding to continue to explore a range of commercial applications for our [TrueMethyl] products in the life sciences industry.  We also remain dedicated to investing in research and development as we foresee that an intellectual property-backed portfolio will continue to be of critical importance to the company’s future. We are pleased to have the continued support of our existing investors and look forward to working with our new investor, New Science Ventures, which brings deep scientific expertise and years of experience in building valuable life sciences companies.”