X-Genix: Translating precision molecular editing as a tool for drug discovery

This proposal builds directly upon a BBSRC FoF awarded in 2020 toward the translation of enzymatic methods of carbon halogen bond formation.
Context:
Over 20% of pharmaceuticals, including drugs such as Clarityn, require a carbon chlorine bond. A carbon halogen bond, conveniently referred to as a C-X bond by chemists (where X is typically chlorine, bromine, or iodine),
imparts improved activity and bioavailability. Drugs containing this "X-factor" are used to treat medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol, stomach ulcers, anaemia, asthma, epilepsy, and others. This
C-X bond provides a useful handle for tuning the pharmaceutical's activity and bioavailability profiles, its installation is, therefore, essential to drug discovery. Furthermore, this C-X bond is a chemically reactive and
orthogonal handle, a gateway to almost any chemical diversification imaginable. The construction of over 90% of small molecule pharmaceuticals is thus reliant on carbon-chlorine bond formation.
Current chemical halogenation methods lack selectivity. Our enzyme technology can be used to precisely place a C-X bond at just the position required.
Scope: We are paving the way for spinning out X-Genix; a company that provides bespoke technology enabling precision molecule editing.
The award of a BBSRC FoF in 2020 has enabled us to develop our technology and carry out customer discovery, identifying pharmaceutical drug discovery as our beachhead market. Our ambition is to partner with the pharmaceutical industry to deliver precision molecule editing for drug discovery.
Here, as we prepare for spin out, we will deliver the following Commercial and Technical objectives (C1- C4, and T1-T4 respectively):
1. Details
C1. Extend and deepen our engagement with Pharma: We are already in discussions with team leaders, CEOs, and/or CSO/CTOs in over 20 pharmaceutical and fine chemical companies in the UK and internationally. Through components of this project, especially C2, we will deepen existing relationships.
Through links with CEFIC and EFPIA, we will increase our number of industry partnerships.
C2. Deliver proof of concept projects: Testing the selection and utilisation of halogenases for molecules of interest to Astra Zeneca and Concept/Malvern, provided under confidentiality agreements. These studies
will showcase the technology and will be key to refining our commercial offering, poising the team and technology to deliver commercial contracts by the end of the grant.
C3. Refine Business Plan: By building on insight from C1& C2, developments in T3, and through mentoring from UK and international advisors.
C4. Investor-Ready Proposition for Seed Funding: This project prepares X-Genix to be investor ready. Working in partnership with international investors and advisors we will further develop our pitch deck
and investment ask.
T1. Extend our portfolio of halogenases to 200: Ensuring a robust and diverse toolbox of biocatalysts.
T2. Refine and prepare for filing a further patent on our halogenase selection and optimisation technology: Focusing on developments that enable expeditious discovery of an enzyme capable of regioselectively functionalising a given substrate.
T3. Extend our IP, showcasing our technology on medicinally relevant compounds within our own drug discovery program: Further growing investable value. Benefiting from the considerable med chem expertise across our team and advisory board, and levering technology advancements from T1/T2 this
aspect will become a main focus of X-Genix. This focus is based on advice received throughout our early business development work.
T4. Explore intensifying and scaling reactions: We will further develop our technology, exploring reaction intensification and scaling.