York spin-out cizzles Fujirebio

University of York spin-out Cizzle Biotechnology has given US-based life sciences firm Furjirebio Diagnostics exclusive rights to blood testing patents and technology developed at the University of York which detect early-stage lung cancer.

The two firms will work together on a commercially valid blood test with the aim to commercialise the kit for worldwide use.

York research indicates that an altered form of a protein, called Ciz1, is present in lung cancers and can be detected through blood analysis at an early stage.

David Browning, chief executive of Cizzle, said: “In the UK there is a funding gap that is difficult for biotech start-ups to negotiate, which means that many ventures based on innovative scientific discoveries with significant potential clinical benefit never reach the point of commercialisation. With the support of our investors, Cizzle has been able to bridge that gap and develop the technology to a point where it can be further developed for global markets.”