Trogenix Ltd has unveiled its Odysseus platform, a novel therapeutic approach for treating aggressive cancers through precision viral immunotherapy. The platform, built from inception by 4BIO Capital and spun out from the University of Edinburgh, leverages synthetic super-enhancers to selectively target cancer cells and activate the body's immune system. Trogenix plans to initiate Phase 1/2 clinical trials for its lead program in glioblastoma in 2025.
Odysseus Platform: A Multi-Pronged Attack on Cancer
The Odysseus platform employs engineered DNA elements known as Synthetic Super-Enhancers (SSEs) that act as docking stations for transcription factors uniquely expressed in aggressive cancer cells. This enables highly selective and potent gene control, with multiple layers of safety, including direct tumor injection for localized delivery and self-limiting control mechanisms. The platform delivers a comprehensive attack on cancer through:
- Controlled cell killing via targeted expression of cytotoxic payloads
- Immune modulation to overcome tumor-induced immunosuppression
- A unique 'Trojan Horse' approach that reawakens the immune system to provide long-term protection against recurrence
Glioblastoma Program Shows Promise
Trogenix's lead program targets glioblastoma (GBM), the most aggressive form of brain cancer, where only 25% of patients survive beyond one year. Preclinical studies have demonstrated curative responses with no toxicity and evidence of persistent anti-tumor immunity.
"Our Odysseus platform represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment," said Professor Steve Pollard, Chief Scientific Officer of Trogenix. "By precisely targeting cancer cell states rather than just cell types, we can achieve unprecedented selectivity while activating the body's own immune system against the tumour. Our preclinical studies in glioblastoma have demonstrated complete responses with no toxicity and evidence of persistent anti-tumour immunity."
Expanding Beyond Glioblastoma
Beyond GBM, Trogenix is advancing programs in colorectal cancer liver metastases, hepatocellular carcinoma, lung squamous cell carcinoma, and regenerative medicine, with the goal of submitting five Investigational New Drug (IND) applications in five years.
Leadership and Investment
Trogenix was co-founded by Professor Steve Pollard and is led by CEO Dr. Ken Macnamara. The company has raised seed financing from investors including IQ Capital, Cancer Research Horizons, the US National Brain Tumor Society’s Brain Tumor Investment Fund, AIN Ventures and the University of Edinburgh’s venture investment fund, Old College Capital.
