Biosceptre

About Biosceptre

Biosceptre is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company at the forefront of immuno-oncology, developing a portfolio of targeted cancer therapies. The company's scientific foundation stems from research conducted in the late 1990s by Dr. Julian Barden, a protein structure specialist at the University of Sydney. Dr. Barden's work on purinergic receptors led to the discovery of a novel cancer target, a non-functional, conformationally distinct variant of the P2X7 receptor, termed nfP2X7. This modified receptor is highly specific to cancer cells and has been identified in over 20 types of cancer, including lung, breast, and prostate, but is not found on healthy tissue. This specificity allows for the precise targeting of cancer cells, potentially minimizing side effects. Biosceptre acquired the intellectual property from the University of Sydney in 2003 and has since built a robust international patent portfolio.

Led by CEO Gavin Currie, who joined the board in 2009 and became CEO in 2012, the company leverages its proprietary knowledge of the nfP2X7 target. Currie's background in finance and venture investment, particularly with a biotech focus, has been instrumental in guiding the company's strategy. Headquartered in Cambridge, UK, with research facilities in Sydney, Australia, Biosceptre is focused on validating and exploiting this target through multiple therapeutic modalities. Its business strategy involves developing its product pipeline through clinical trials and then seeking to sell or license the products to larger pharmaceutical partners for commercialization.

The company's pipeline includes several promising candidates. One of its most advanced is BIL010t, a topical antibody formulation for basal cell carcinoma, which has completed a Phase I trial showing favorable safety and signs of efficacy. Another key program is a peptide vaccine, BIL06v, which initiated Phase I clinical trials in 2018 to assess safety and immunogenicity in patients with late-stage cancers. Furthermore, Biosceptre is advancing a CAR T-cell therapy program, combining its nfP2X7-targeting technology with this potent immunotherapy approach, a project bolstered by a 2021 funding round. The company aims to develop systemic antibodies, vaccines, and topical therapeutics, with some programs available for out-licensing. By targeting nfP2X7, Biosceptre's therapies aim to counteract the survival and proliferative advantages the receptor provides to cancer cells.