New biotech spin out takes space at Chesterford Research Park, Cambridge

Aug. 29, 2012 - PRLog -- A small team of drug discovery scientists based at Chesterford Research Park have taken the brave step to go it alone with the formation of Autophagix, a new biotechnology company specialising in inflammatory diseases. Autophagix plans to ‘spin out’ some intellectual property from Cellzome, a company previously based at Chesterford that was acquired by GSK this year. Its work is focused on drugs that will enhance a process known as ‘autophagy’, a biological revitalizing process used by the human body.  
“What is becoming clear is that the process of autophagy can often go wrong, either because of your genes, your environment, or most likely a combination of both,” said Alan Watt, CEO of Autophagix. “This contributes to chronic autoimmune and inflammatory diseases such as Crohn’s disease and Lupus, and we are designing drug treatments to enhance autophagy and improve prognosis. For us, it is all about the patient.”
“The management team of this new spin out have been working from Chesterford Research Park and were very happy to remain in a high quality science park environment with other R&D businesses. They were keen to start their new venture here and as support for new and smaller technology-based companies is a priority for us, we were happy to help. Autophagix has taken space in the Mansion House,” explains Martin Sylvester of Churchmanor Estates, the joint venture partner with Aviva Investors on Chesterford Research Park.
Over the next three years, Autophagix plans to progress promising drug candidates into the clinic to test this new approach to helping sufferers of these debilitating diseases. The two co-founders, Dr Alan Watt and Dr Richard Hale, have more than fifty years research experience between them and are both keen to do something novel in the drug discovery field.  “Working as a small, highly focused, creative team is the way to do breakthrough science,” said Richard Hale, COO of Autophagix.
Autophagix is currently seeking funding for its exciting drug portfolio and would be keen to hear from potential investors interested in their research.
Chesterford Research Park is at the heart of the life sciences cluster now well-developed south of Cambridge.   The Park’s prestigious environment and range of facilities has attracted leading bioscience names including Biofocus, Illumina Inc. and Isogenica.  Brand new, stunning space for start-ups is available in the Science Village building which offers lab and office suites from 1,515 sq ft up to 28,000 sq ft.
The Park is close to both the A11 and M11.  London is accessible by train from two nearby stations, so occupiers have quick and easy access to the local road and rail infrastructure. Stansted Airport is also just 20 minutes’ drive away.
To find out more about the Chesterford Research Park, call Rob Sadler at Savills on 01223 347000 or Michael Jones at Dodson Jones on 01223 358114. A brochure can be downloaded at www.chesterfordresearchpark.com