Strengthening the UK’s role in global precision oncology
Innovate UK: Biomedical Catalyst (BMC)
Cambridge (UK)
£500k
grant funding secured.
Spin-out
From Wellcome Sanger Institute.
BMC
Biomedical Catalyst grant.
How BaseRx aims to improve treatment outcomes in oncology
BaseRx is a spin-out company of world-leading researchers looking to commercialise academic research from the Wellcome Sanger Institute. Their initial focus is on the issue of cancer drug resistance, which poses significant barriers to effective treatment. BaseRx is applying state of the art genome editing tools to identify single nucleotide variants that drive resistance to cancer drugs.
Ultimately, the goal is to extend patient survival, improve treatment outcomes and enable pharmaceutical companies to better predict drug efficacy whilst accelerating internal drug discovery.
What is the Biomedical Catalyst Grant Programme?
The Innovate UK Biomedical Catalyst programme plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and bridging critical gaps in life sciences and biomedical research, offering vital resources and visibility to amplify their impact. Innovate UK’s Biomedical Catalyst grant offers between £100,000 and £4m in grant funding for SMEs and research teams operating in the health and life sectors, including digital health. The competition opens at least once a year through the Innovate UK portal.
For BaseRx, the Biomedical Catalyst grant is a step-change towards achieving their research vision, enabling the company to advance its innovative biotechnology projects and cancer research.
Inspiring Future Breakthroughs
The Innovate UK Biomedical Catalyst programme initiative doesn’t just fund projects; it creates opportunities for innovators and leaders to drive meaningful progress. By providing resources and support, it fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and dedication.
Programs like Innovate UK Biomedical Catalyst highlight the importance of supporting innovative ideas in shaping the future of healthcare and life sciences, by enabling technological advancements that drive new treatments and diagnostics.
Successful Outcomes
This £500k grant allowed the research team at Sanger Institute to formally establish BaseRx as a limited company and employ the key people needed to deliver this R&D project. This company is ‘one to watch’ in the coming years – they stand to make a substantial impact in the life science sector, specifically in the treatment of cancer.
Adrian Ibrahim
Entrepreneur in Residence // Wellcome Sanger Institute
