Disruptyx Therapeutics: Pioneering Precision Peptide Therapeutics for Cancer
Disruptyx Therapeutics is an innovative spin-out from the University of Glasgow, focused on developing next-generation precision peptide therapeutics to treat cancer. Led by Dr. Connor Blair, the project aims to exploit the complex protein-protein interactions (PPIs) within cancer cells to create highly targeted treatments.
The Vision
The vision behind Disruptyx is to leverage the evolutionary optimized PPI interface to discover and develop peptide-based therapeutics that can precisely target and disrupt aberrant PPIs in cancer cells. This approach aims to fine-tune the disease microenvironment and overcome treatment resistance, offering new hope for patients with hard-to-treat cancers.
Development and Features
Disruptyx was developed through a collaborative effort involving researchers from the University of Glasgow. The project received support from the High-Growth Spinout Programme (HGSP) by Scottish Enterprise, as well as Wellcome ECD, and MRC IAA funding through the Translational Research Initiative (TRI), enabling the team to advance their research from concept to pre-clinical development.
Key features of Disruptyx include:
Precision Peptide Therapeutics
Development of novel peptide-based drugs that target specific PPIs within cancer cells.
Pre-Clinical Models
Use of clinically relevant in vivo models to test the efficacy and safety of the new therapies.
Pipeline Programs
Focus on both solid tumors (e.g., pancreatic cancer, neuroblastoma) and hematological malignancies (e.g., acute myeloid leukemia).
Support from the College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences (MVLS)
The College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences (MVLS) at the University of Glasgow has been instrumental in supporting the projects that led to the formation of Disruptyx. MVLS provided essential resources and funding through various initiatives, including the Translational Research Initiative (TRI)-managed Impact Accelerator Accounts. This support enabled the team to conduct preliminary translational work, prototype development, and pre-clinical trials.
"The Translational Research Initiative have been hugely supportive of my early research career. Their support has driven two pipeline therapeutic programmes, which has subsequently generated novel intellectual property that the University is now in the position to protect and license to our start-up company" - Dr Connor Blair.
Impact and achievements
Dr Blair and his team have made significant strides in developing precision peptide therapeutics. The project has generated novel intellectual property, which the University of Glasgow is now in a position to protect and license to the start-up company, Disruptyx Therapeutics Ltd. The team aims to secure further seed funding to support the transition from pre-clinical development to first-in-human clinical trials.
Future prospects
The Disruptyx team is committed to advancing their research and bringing their innovative therapies to market. They are hoping to secure further seed funding to support the company for the next 3 – 5 years and help develop their therapies from a pre-clinical stage to first in-human clinical trials. Their ultimate goal is to provide effective, targeted treatments that improve patient outcomes and contribute to the world-class reputation of innovation at the University of Glasgow and within Scotland.
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