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Enhanc3D, a functional genomics firm with headquarters in Cambridge, has raised £10 million in Series A funding to hasten the development of its own technological platform. By utilizing the 3D human genome to its full capacity, the business is revolutionizing the discovery of pharmaceuticals. BGF and Parkwalk Advisors spearheaded the funding, with assistance from pre-existing private donors and Bioqube Ventures.
This will allow Enhanc3D to benefit from the validated platform’s ability to rapidly and comprehensively decipher the genome’s dark matter into hundreds of potential new targets for diagnostic and therapeutic drug development. First, we generate large datasets on multiple immune cell types that are broadly associated with autoimmune diseases, cancer, and aging. Enhanc3D will also expand its team and move to a larger facility at St. John’s Innovation Center in Cambridge to provide the infrastructure to support its next phase of expansion.
His growing Enhanc3D team is made up of technical experts in genomics, data science, biology and epigenetics. Chris Torrance, Ph.D. cancer researcher and biotechnology entrepreneur, will join his Enhanc3D board of directors as Non-Executive Chairman. Dr. Torrance is the founder and chairman of Phoremost, a UK-based biopharmaceutical company.
Enhanc3D’s vision stems from the lab of Professor Peter Fraser, who pioneered research into the dynamic spatial organization of the genome at the Babraham Institute, unlocking the full potential of the human genome by deciphering its 3D DNA architecture. That’s it. Current whole-genome sequencing technologies only provide a linear view of our DNA, whereas 3D organization regulates biological processes critical to cell differentiation and development.
“Dr. experience and strategic contributions. Torrance will be invaluable in accelerating the development of the company and platform.” Dr. Torrance added: “Enhanc3D is another shining example of genomics technology emerging from the Cambridge cluster and we are truly proud to be part of this exciting expansion phase.”
Our proprietary technology platform, GenLink3DTM, integrates molecular biology techniques and machine learning to map his 3D structure of the genome at high resolution. While this platform has a wide range of potential therapeutic applications, Enhanc3D will initially focus on identifying novel biomarkers for patient stratification and therapeutic targets in cancer, aging and autoimmune diseases. Chief Executive Officer Debora Lucarelli said: