Launch of Forcefield Therapeuticss today Following £5.5m commitment by Synona
Launch of a new biotech company to develop innovative, the best therapeutic treatments for protect heart function Following acute myocardial infarction (AM I)
London, United Kingdom, 25 April 2022 – Forcefield Therapeutics (“Forcefield”) Ltd, a pioneer of best-in-class therapeutic treatments to protect heart function by stopping cardiomyocyte loss following myocardial infarction, officially launches today following a £5.5 million pledge of Syncona AGa leading healthcare company focused on creating, building and financing a portfolio of world leaders in life sciences.
Forcefield is based on the work of Professor Mauro Giacca, an authority on cardiovascular disease and genetic biology at the School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, King’s College London. Professor Giacca and his research team have discovered three naturally occurring cardioprotective proteins capable of restraining heart tissue damaged by acute myocardial infarction (MI) through a unique combination of actions. This work originated at the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology ICGEB, Trieste, Italy.
Myocardial infarction (heart attack) can trigger the loss of large numbers of cardiomyocytes, or heart cells, which can lead to a cascade of events leading to heart failure. Up to 25% of cardiomyocytes can be lost during and immediately after myocardial infarction.
The three proteins identified have the potential to preserve heart function, preventing progression to heart failure. These proteins form the basis of the Company’s discovery pipeline and will initially be developed as an easily and intensely delivered formulation allowing rapid treatment soon after myocardial infarction before cardiac damage becomes irreversible, with potential wider applications.
Targets were identified using ‘FunSel’, a gene- and mechanism-independent transformational ‘search engine‘ based on the physiology of the organ and disease in question, removing the inherent discovery bias of typical drugs, which is a single disease or target.
Richard Francois, Chief executive officer of Force Field Therapy, commented: “Mmyocardial infarction remains the most common cause of heart failure worldwidewith 1.7% of the world’s population at risk. Our goal is to revolutionize acute post-MI treatment and prevent the cascade of events that can lead to cardiac arrest. We believe that Forcefield and the development of Professor Giaccadiscoveries will be revolutionize patient next treatment acute MID, to go beyond the current approach: slow the progression of heart failureand allowing us to avoid irreversible Californiarpity diac.”
Teacherboom Mauro Giacca, Forcefield Therapeutics‘ founder and board member said: “Ddespite decades of research, no current treatment is able to prevent cardiomyocyte death or a reduction of lifetime and quality of life Following acute MID. By redefining the search for cardioprotective therapies, we have identified proteins that have not previously been bound to the heart health, but who have the potential to hold back heart function, prevention of premature death heart cells and thus neutralizing the deleterious effects by MI.”
Chris Hollowwood, Chief Investment Officer of Syncona Investment Management Limitadded: “Proteins identified using FunSel contain mechanisms who have naturally evolved to repair molecular, cellular and organic damage and maybe have potential in other diseases of similar etiology. Syncona is delighted to be able to support Force field, which possesses the potential to create a breakthrough in the treatment of myocardial infarction.”
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Notes to Editors
About Forcefield Therapeutics Ltd.
Forcefield Therapeutics Ltd (Forcefield Tx) is a pioneer of the best therapies to maintain cardiac function through cardiomyocyte protection. Forcefield Tx was founded by scientists, industry experts and investors with the common goal of revolutionizing treatment after acute myocardial infarction (MI). Forcefield’s unique approach can both restrain and protect heart cells, minimizing the impact of myocardial infarction and preventing the cascade of events that can lead to subsequent heart failure. Forcefield Tx is led by a proven team with a track record of success from discovery to commercialization and is backed by Syncona, a leading FTSE 250 healthcare company. For more information, please visit: forcefieldtx.com.
VScontacts:
Force Field Therapy
Richard Francis, CEO
[email protected]
+44 (0)20 3855 6324
Synchronous
Consilium Strategic Communications
Amber Fennell, Jessica Hodgson, Genevieve Wilson
[email protected]
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