Sphere Fluidics Limited and their partners have just won a $1.25 million grant to develop a novel automated single cell genome engineering platform. The grant syndicate also includes Horizon Discovery (UK), Twist Bioscience (US) and the University of Edinburgh (UK). The grant was an Open Innovation Grant from InnovateUK with participation open to companies in every industry in the UK.
Dr Frank F. Craig (chief executive officer) said: "Sphere Fluidics Limited is now manufacturing and selling its single cell analysis and characterization system (Cyto-Mine) for the biopharmaceutical discovery and development market (see image). We recently formed a syndicate of leading experts in genome editing techniques, such as CRISPR/Cas9, with the aim to adapt Cyto-Mine technology to the genome editing field. We were very pleased to win this InnovateUK grant and create the opportunity to become world leaders in this field."
"The aim of this project is to generate an automated, benchtop device for the creation of high-value, genome-edited cell lines. Genome editing is rapidly becoming an essential tool across all areas of life sciences R&D (e.g. basic research, diagnostics, gene therapy and regenerative medicine, synthetic biology and bio-manufacturing). By 2020, the global market is estimated to be worth almost $2 billion p.a. and rapidly growing with a CAGR of around 36%," said Dr Marian Rehak (R&D director).
Dr Frank F. Craig (CEO) said: "Sphere Fluidics is entering an exciting phase of internationalisation and this grant project supports our strategy of extending Cyto-Mine to new emerging global markets such as the genome editing field. It cements an exciting time for us - as earlier this year, we raised $2.8 million to help complete Cyto-Mine product development and manufacture and open a US Sales Office. The syndicate was led by Greenwood Way Capital and supported by existing investors, such as 24Haymarket. The support of that syndicate also helped us recently win UK Business Angels Association 2017 Life Sciences Investment of the Year. Such awards indicate that the investment community is also excited about the global potential of Sphere Fluidics and its Cyto-Mine technology."
Sphere Fluidics is an established Life Sciences company, originally spun out from the University of Cambridge. We’ve already developed 40 patented products – biochips and specialist chemicals – which are assisting over 160 customers globally with their research.
We initially focussed on producing novel biochip systems and providing R&D services. We have since extended our expertise and are developing a technology platform that enables discovery in a range of growing markets through single cell analysis. Our systems make the development of new biopharmaceuticals faster and more cost-effective, improve monoclonal antibody screening, enhance research efficiency and will offer exciting benefits to those working in diagnostics and therapeutics.
Sphere fluidics and partners, receive innovateuk grant, automated single cell, genome engineering, platform
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