Proceeds from the financing will be used to commercialise the company’s proprietary genetic and epigenetic sequencing technology, which easily integrates into existing sequencing platforms to enable more information to be read from DNA. The technology has been validated by leading genomic research institutions of which several, including Professor Dennis Lo of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Professor Wolf Reik of the Babraham Institute, have continued using the technology through early access programmes.
Professor Sir Shankar Balasubramanian FRS, founder of Cambridge Epigenetix, said, “We are pleased to have raised a significant Series D round from high-profile investors to support the commercial launch of the first product from our new multi-omic platform, and the expansion of our organisation. Importantly, our sequencing technology works with all sequencers and enhances their accuracy as opposed to replacing or competing with them. Further, our technology has the potential to dramatically reduce the cost of genome sequencing, as the low sample requirement and streamlined workflow facilitate its cost-effectiveness and ease of use without sacrificing accuracy. We look forward to product and to making game-changing contributions to DNA sequencing, epigenomic research and precision medicine.”
CEGX’s product unambiguously identifies five letters of DNA – four genetic bases (A-T-C-G) plus methylated cytosine (5mC or 5hmC) – in a single sequencing workflow with a low DNA sample requirement and high accuracy. Epigenetic marks are a vital source of biological information that will enable the next generation of diagnostics such as those for early cancer detection. The laboratory component of CEGX’s product is in manufacture and these kits, combined with software, are expected to be available for purchase in early 2022. This will be followed by the launch of additional platform products, the next being a 6-letter kit.
About Cambridge Epigenetix
Cambridge Epigenetix is revolutionising sequencing by delivering new dimensions of information from DNA to see and treat disease earlier and transform life sciences and medicine. The commercial-stage company’s platform provides more information with greater efficiency at higher quality and lower cost than standard next generation DNA sequencing technology. Easily integrating into existing sequencers, the company’s products allow the user to see at-a-glance genomic and epigenetic information. This information can be used to detect, diagnose, treat and understand disease. Based in Cambridge, UK, the company is founded by a pioneer in DNA sequencing intent on leading the next great leap forward in genomics.