BioTryp Therapeutics, an award-winning drug discovery spin-out from the University of Cambridge, has raised £300k in pre-seed funding to advance the development of its novel anti-biofilm compounds. Following BioTryp’s participation in the inaugural Founders at the University of Cambridge Accelerator, the funding round comprised investment from QUBIS Innovation Fund, as well as Cambridge Enterprise Ventures and Parkwalk Advisors. The founding team includes Clare Hall Fellow Dr Jehangir Cama (Commercial Director), Dr David Summers (Scientific Director), and Dr Ashraf Zarkan (CEO).

Bacteria form biofilms as a protective wall against the immune system and antibiotics. Within biofilms, bacteria thrive, meaning that the infection worsens and antibiotic treatments fail. BioTryp have developed a class of small molecules which inhibit biofilm formation, nipping an infection in the bud. BioTryp scientists have already demonstrated proof-of-concept in the inhibition of E. coli biofilms, a pathogen responsible for up to 80% of Urinary Tract Infections. BioTryp hopes to change the paradigm of managing and treating bacterial infections, supporting global efforts to combat the increasing ineffectiveness of traditional antibiotic therapy.

This funding marks an important milestone for the company and will be used to progress BioTryp’s medicinal chemistry programme. It will facilitate essential chemistry and testing to identify the most promising compounds to be taken further into pre-clinical development. On the commercial side, the funding will allow engagement with pharma, regulators and development bodies to ensure successful progress throughout pre-clinical and clinical trials.

Many congratulations to Dr Cama, and we look forward to hearing more about BioTryp’s advancements!