The Venture Codex

Participated · Series A · Jun 2014

DefiniGEN is a spin-out from the University of Cambridge creating predictive disease cell models for preclinical research and drug development. The company’s platform uses induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), proprietary differentiation techniques, and gene-editing tools to insert disease mutations and produce specific cell types. It has capabilities across multiple cell types with particular expertise in the liver disease field. DefiniGEN says it has gained strong commercial traction in the US. The business will use the new funding to boost its US presence, expand its Cambridge facility, and broaden its gene-editing capabilities. CEO Dr Marcus Yeo described the investment as a driver of continued growth as the company commercialises its iPSC platform. DefiniGEN commercialises OptiDIFF, a stem-cell production platform that generates high-functionality iPSC-derived cell types (liver, pancreatic and lung) for predictive in vitro models used by pharmaceutical companies. The company plans to deliver cryopreserved pancreatic beta cell products for the diabetes drug-development market and to develop lung and intestinal cell products to support treatments for genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis. DefiniGEN intends to expand business development in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific with dedicated local marketing presence, recruit production staff and invest in up-scaled production at enlarged laboratory facilities. The platform utilises fully defined, humanised conditions and the company has in‑licensed Yamanaka iPSC IP from iPS Academia Japan, building on IP developed at the University of Cambridge Regenerative Medicine Department. Founded in 2013 to commercialise technology developed at the University of Cambridge, the company says it has secured growing sales with global pharma customers and that the new funding will help drive it to profitability. DefiniGEN, founded in April 2012 and led by CEO Dr Marcus Yeo, provides OptiDIFF, a stem cell production platform for generating high-functionality cell types such as liver, pancreatic and lung cells. These cells, including human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived types, are positioned as predictive in vitro models to support the development of safer, more effective treatments for diseases. The company closed a $3.83M Series A round to fund international expansion across Europe, North America and Asia Pacific and to recruit production staff. Planned commercial launches include new products in areas such as iPSC-derived hepatocytes, pancreatic beta cells and lung cells, with additional cell types to follow. DefiniGEN also intends to use proceeds to strengthen its intellectual property portfolio.