IRR spinout Trogenix, which is developing innovative cancer therapies, starting with brain cancer, has completed Series A financing of £70 million. IRR Group Leader and Trogenix Cheif Scientific Officer, Steve Pollard The funding will enable the rapid advancement of its pipeline of potentially curative cancer therapies across multiple aggressive, treatment-resistant solid tumours into the phase 1 in-human clinical trials.Pre-clinical studies have shown the biotech company's breakthrough Odysseus® platform can kill cancerous brain cells and stimulate the immune system, whilst leaving surrounding healthy cells and tissue untouched.The investment is a powerful validation of the technology's potential to transform outcomes for patients facing the greatest need. With today’s new £70M financing, Trogenix will be able to move rapidly into clinical trials for glioblastoma.This represents another example of the vibrant spinout ecosystem in Edinburgh, with tremendous support from the IRR, Edinburgh Innovations and many of my colleagues and collaborators, who have been highly supportive from the outset. Professor Steve Pollard Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer at Trogenix, Group Leader at IRR Trogenix is based on co-founder Professor Steve Pollard’s groundbreaking research at the IRR, UK Centre for Mammalian Synthetic Biology, and the Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre.Trogenix's approach combines cancer cell killing and immune stimulation, in a treatment that activates the immune system to provide long-term protection against tumour recurrence.Playing a central role to Trogenix’s precision cancer treatments are its Synthetic Super Enhancers (SSEs) which are activated by specifically targetting diseased cells, rather than individual genes, to control two parts of the treatment: an enzyme which is able to activate a 'prodrug' (a version of the drug which has a change that makes it inactive until the enzyme activates it) to kill cells, and an immune-stimulating cytokine. SSEs are designed using Trogenix’s technology platform, Odysseus®, which identifies and optimises targets in cancer cells to rapidly find candidates for preclinical development.Trogenix's lead programme in glioblastoma multiforme, one of the most aggressive and treatment-resistant brain cancers, is advancing toward clinical trials with first patient dosing anticipated in early 2026. The company’s follow-on programme is in colorectal cancer liver metastases. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide. Trogenix will also be developing its pipeline focused on other aggressive solid cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma and non-small cell lung carcinoma. This significant investment accelerates our lead programme in glioblastoma multiforme and follow-on programme in colorectal cancer liver metastases through the clinic, advances our pipeline in liver and lung cancers, and further enhances our Odysseus® platform.We are honoured to have the support of existing and new investors who share our mission to deliver breakthrough treatments and pursue cures for the thousands of patients and families facing devastating diagnoses each year. Ken Macnamara Chief Executive Officer at Trogenix Trogenix Professor Steve Pollard Edinburgh Innovations Publication date 06 Oct, 2025
