Funding boost for spin-out's fight against childhood cancer

Revolver Therapeutics is exploring the potential of a new way of targeting tough-to-treat cancers like glioma.

Revolver Therapeutics is pleased to announce new funding of £150,000 from UK Innovation Science and Seed Fund (UKI2S), managed by Future Planet Capital, and from o2h Ventures to develop transcription factor inhibitors, which could pave the way for a new type of cancer treatment.

Revolver is revolutionising cancer treatment by harnessing its ability to inhibit previously "undruggable" transcription factors - proteins that help turn specific genes on or off by binding to nearby DNA in the cell nucleus and function as "master regulators" in cancer.

These novel peptide inhibitors were discovered using Revolver's proprietary Transcription Block Survival (TBS) assay platform technology, which was spun out of the University of Bath.

The innovative TBS platform, developed from ground-breaking engineering biology research by Professor Jody Mason, discovers peptides that functionally inhibit transcription factors inside cells to overcome the traditional hurdles faced by small molecules and antibodies.

The company is initially targeting childhood gliomas, for which there is no effective treatment, in collaboration with The Institute of Cancer Research. With this investment, Revolver is now also exploring applications for adult cancers in parallel.

The total combined amount of the grant awarded to both partners from the Innovate UK Transforming Cancer Therapeutics programme is £552,000.

Jody Mason, CSO of Revolver and Professor of Biochemistry in the University of Bath's Department of Life Sciences, commented on the closing investment: "Our breakthroughs are truly remarkable. We've achieved anti-tumour effects, while simultaneously solving the cellular penetration challenges that have hindered delivery of biologics in the past. We hope to make a significant impact in cancer treatment for childhood gliomas and beyond."

Oliver Sexton, Investment Director at UKI2S managed by Future Planet Capital commented on the investment: "Revolver Therapeutics is pioneering an exciting new approach to cancer treatment by targeting transcription factors - proteins that have been tough to tackle in cancer research until now.

"Their novel platform produces first-in-class, cell-penetrating peptides with an excellent product profile, and with this investment they are now advancing their first therapeutic assets.

"We're proud to support Revolver's team as they bring this innovative science closer to helping patients facing challenging cancers."

Sunil Shah, CEO of o2h Ventures said: "We are thrilled to be supporting Revolver Therapeutics, their work in transcription factor inhibition represents a significant advancement, particularly in targeting cancers that have been challenging to treat effectively.

"At o2h Ventures, we are dedicated to backing innovative science and an exceptional team with the potential for real impact, and we see Revolver's platform as a world-class solution that aligns with our mission to support breakthroughs in human health."

Revolver Therapeutics spun out from the University of Bath with support from the Technology Transfer team in Research and Innovation Services (RIS).

Jennifer Rogers from the Technology Transfer Team at the University of Bath added, "We are delighted to see Revolver Therapeutics, a spin out from the University, successfully attracting investment and moving forwards on its mission to inhibit transcription factors critical for cancer cell proliferation."

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