Experts in targeting the MMR pathway with small molecules

Founders

NeoPhore was founded in 2017 following seminal clinical studies demonstrating powerful and durable responses to immune checkpoint therapy in cancer patients with DNA Mismatch Repair (MMR) deficient (MMR-d) tumours​ (Science, see the full article here). Multiple studies supporting the immune responsiveness of MMR-d tumours continue to publish.

Our scientific founders, Professor Alberto Bardelli and Associate Professor Giovanni Germano demonstrated that 'genetic loss of certain MMR genes in preclinical models also elicits responsiveness to checkpoint immunotherapy' (Nature, see the full article here).

NeoPhore was established to discover small molecule inhibitors of the MMR pathway that temporarily block MMR, rendering tumours MMR deficient and immune-responsive. We developed novel assays and technologies to enable the discovery of first-in-class and first-in-pathway small molecule inhibitors of MMR. In cancer cells, these compounds mimic the state generated after genetic loss of MMR components, including immune responsiveness to checkpoint inhibitor therapy in preclinical models. We are now poised to test the therapeutic hypothesis in the clinic.​

Investors

NeoPhore was launched in November 2017 with £6M investment by Sixth Element Capital LLP and Innovate UK. In 2021, NeoPhore raised an additional £15.2M in a Series B round led by Claris Ventures. 2Invest AG, 3B Future Health Fund, Astellas Venture Management, and Sixth Element Capital LLP. In December 2022, a further £6M extension was completed by the existing investment syndicate. A further £9.6M extension round closed in December 2023 with NEVA SGR and LIFTT participating; Bristol Myers Squibb subsequently joined this oversubscribed funding round in April 2024. ​​