Trogenix

Trogenix Ltd is a biotechnology company based in Edinburgh, UK, developing precision genetic medicines for aggressive solid tumours. Its approach combines genomics, synthetic biology, oncology disease models, gene therapy delivery systems and immunotherapy, and is built around proprietary Synthetic Super-Enhancers (SSEs) delivered using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors. The SSEs are designed to be activated by the identity of diseased cell states rather than individual genes, and control two payloads: a cytotoxic prodrug-converting enzyme and an immune-stimulating cytokine. The intended effect is to kill tumour cells while making the tumour visible to the immune system, leaving surrounding healthy tissue unaffected, with the aim of a single-administration, potentially curative treatment that also guards against recurrence.

The company's lead programme addresses glioblastoma (GBM) and is advancing toward clinical trials, with first patient dosing anticipated in Q1 2026. A follow-on programme targets colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM), and the broader pipeline covers hepatocellular carcinoma and non-small cell lung carcinoma. Trogenix also states it is exploring applications of the SSE technology beyond oncology, including regenerative medicine.

Founding story

Trogenix was created in 2023 based on research by co-founder Professor Steve Pollard at the University of Edinburgh, including the UK Centre for Mammalian Synthetic Biology and the Institute for Regeneration and Repair, and the Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre. The company was incubated and spun out of the University of Edinburgh with support from founding investor 4BIO Capital, whose co-founder and managing partner Dima Kuzmin serves as Trogenix's chairman.

Traction

The company has a preclinical-to-clinical stage pipeline led by a glioblastoma programme advancing toward clinical trials with first patient dosing anticipated in Q1 2026, a follow-on programme in colorectal cancer liver metastases, and further programmes in hepatocellular carcinoma and non-small cell lung carcinoma. It raised a £70 million / $95 million Series A in October 2025.

Latest developments

On 6 October 2025 Trogenix announced the completion of a £70 million / $95 million Series A financing led by IQ Capital, with participation from 4BIO Capital, Cancer Research Horizons, the Brain Tumor Investment Fund, Eli Lilly and Company, Meltwind, LongeVC, Calculus Capital and undisclosed private investors. Proceeds are earmarked for clinical advancement of the glioblastoma and colorectal cancer liver metastases programmes, pipeline development in liver and lung cancers, and further work on the Odysseus platform.