The Francis Crick Institute, Slingshot Therapeutics Limited, and Cancer Research Horizons, today announced the launch of ALTx Therapeutics (“ALTx”), with a funding commitment of £12.55 million.
ALTx leverages fundamental insights in cancer cell immortalisation to develop novel treatments for cancer.
ALTx is focused on developing therapeutics targeting vulnerabilities in cancers that rely on the Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (“ALT”) pathway, a mechanism by which cells in 10-15% of all cancers become immortal. ALT activation is cancer specific and presents a unique opportunity to create precision medicines.
Researchers at the Crick, led by Simon Boulton, have identified several genetic targets, which have been further validated by the Crick’s Small Molecule Discovery Consortium. These targets are now being actively pursued by ALTx as a joint venture between the Crick and Slingshot, the Syncona accelerator.
The Crick’s Small Molecule Discovery Consortium brings together the key Science Technology Platforms crucial for translation of novel biology through early drug discovery, including Chemical Biology, Structural Biology, Screening and Automated Science, NMR and Proteomics. This group is uniquely positioned to support early drug discovery for novel biology emerging from the institute.
Simon Boulton, Founder, ALTx Therapeutics said: “I am delighted that Syncona and Slingshot have given us the opportunity to start an exciting new chapter to develop novel therapeutics targeting ALT cancers. This is the culmination of a decade of hard work from my lab and the Science Technology Platform groups within the Crick who have identified and derisked several promising ALT targets, which we aim to progress towards the clinic for the benefit of cancer patients.”
Joanna Redmond, Head of the Chemical Biology Science Technology Platform, The Francis Crick Institute, said: “It has been a privilege to work alongside Simon, his group and the other STPs for the last three years in taking the first steps towards enabling drug discovery against the targets identified through his research into the ALT pathway. It’s been an exhilarating scientific journey to align compelling biological target validation with evidenced chemical tractability for our highest priority targets. We’re incredibly excited to move to the next stage of this project in partnership with Slingshot.”
ALTx is the second spin out to be launched into the Slingshot accelerator, which was created by Syncona to identify early-stage drug discovery programmes from leading research institutions and translate these innovations into drug candidates that are ready for the clinic. Scientific founders like Simon, can continue to drive their ideas forward whilst benefitting from Slingshot’s centralised management team, expertise, resource and operational support.
Edward Hodgkin, Executive Chair, Slingshot Therapeutics said: “Joining Slingshot’s pipeline alongside Apini, ALTx is another example of exceptional science identified for acceleration from the UK’s world-class research base. The programme is based on pioneering research that has systematically explored, identified and characterised ALT pathway vulnerabilities in cancer. We look forward to working closely with Simon and the Crick to unlock the untapped clinical potential of the ALT pathway.”
Gonzalo Garcia, Partner, Syncona Investment Management Limited, said: “Slingshot was created by Syncona to provide founders with the right know-how, operational support and firepower to advance promising early-stage opportunities towards the clinic. At the same time, it allows Syncona to efficiently develop multiple early-stage programmes to a point where they are ready for partnering or to underpin company formation. We are thrilled to invest in ALTx, alongside the Crick and CRH, to translate Simon’s exciting work at the Crick into a clinical reality.”
The £12.55 million funding commitment from Syncona, the Crick (through the translation fund) and Cancer Research Horizons will support the identification of drug candidates from the Crick consortium. At this point, the Slingshot and Syncona team will drive company formation or partnering efforts to progress the ALT assets into clinical development.
Stephen Mayhew, Chief Business Officer, The Francis Crick Institute said: “The launch of ALTx Therapeutics is an exciting example of what can be achieved when we provide fundamental discovery science with a clear path to progress. Supported by committed partners, this work is gaining the momentum needed to turn cancer research into potential treatments for people with the disease.”
Phil Masterson, Associate Director of Ventures, Cancer Research Horizons said: “The ALT pathway is a critical survival mechanism in cancers with limited treatment options, including brain, paediatric, and rare cancers – all priority areas for us and Cancer Research UK. Our investment in ALTx represents an incredible opportunity to accelerate truly cutting-edge science into patient impact where it’s needed most, whilst continuing our support of outstanding scientists and entrepreneurs like Simon Boulton.”
