We are pleased to announce our investment in Scripta Therapeutics, a University of Oxford spinout with a novel approach to targeting the aberrant transcriptional networks that drive disease.
Oxford, UK: UK techbio startup Scripta Therapeutics emerged from stealth by announcing a $12 million seed round investment for their novel approach to targeting the aberrant transcriptional networks that drive disease.
The round is led jointly by Oxford Science Enterprises (OSE) and Apollo Health Ventures, with further investment from AlbionVC, YZR Capital GmbH and Palkwalk Advisors, and support from Oxford University Innovation.
Modulating transcription factor activity to reprogram biology
There are around 1,600 transcription factors encoded within the human genome, each influencing specific networks of genes in health and disease. Instead of targeting transcription factors directly – a notoriously challenging problem in drug discovery – Scripta aims to manipulate their activity through upstream pathways.
First, AI-assisted bioinformatics analysis of rich multi-omic patient data is used to map the patterns of transcription factor activity that define and drive disease. Next, a proprietary live cell screening platform and computational algorithms identify targets and molecules that modulate this activity and reprogram biology. The findings are then validated in unique patient-derived models, closing the loop on drug discovery.
Biology decoded, disease undone
Scripta’s unbiased biology-first approach aims to find disease-modifying therapies that reprogram biology and restore health. While the platform can be applied to any disease, the team is focusing first on Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions in collaboration with scientific co-founder Noel Buckley, Professor of Neurobiology at the University of Oxford University.
Peter Hamley, founder and CEO of Scripta, said, “We’re flipping the script on conventional target-based drug discovery to find therapies that genuinely move the needle for patients. By focusing on understanding and manipulating the master controllers of biology, we’re searching for drugs with the potential not just to delay disease progression but to stop it in its tracks.”
Experienced biotech business builder Ray Barlow, currently CEO of SynOx Therapeutics, has also been brought on to strengthen Scripta’s board as a Non-Executive Director. He said, “Scripta brings fresh thinking and a novel data-led approach to a traditionally challenging area of drug discovery. I am looking forward to working with Peter and the rest of this outstanding team to deliver effective new medicines that are long overdue for so many patients.”
Claire Brown, Partner at OSE and board member of Scripta, said, “We’re proud to be backing Scripta – a brilliant team that exemplifies the next generation of technology-enabled drug discovery and capitalises on the strength of Oxford University and the wider Oxford ecosystem.”
Marianne Mertens, Partner at Apollo Health Ventures, said, “The ability to manipulate transcription factors in disease holds great promise for treating neurodegeneration and other life-limiting conditions, but has long been seen as an intractable problem. Scripta’s unique approach has the potential to deliver transformational therapies, and we are delighted to welcome them into our portfolio.”
To find out more about Scripta Therapeutics, visit their website or our portfolio page here.
