May's Focus: Infinitopes Precision Immunomics' Advances & Map and Raise Report and Aspire Life Sciences' Growth

Welcome to the May edition of my newsletter. This month, I'm excited to discuss some groundbreaking developments in the biotech sector, especially the work being done by Infinitopes Precision Immunomics in cancer treatment. They've recently secured a substantial amount of seed funding, which really speaks to the potential of their research in personalised cancer vaccines. It's a promising time for the field, and I'm keen to share more about their progress and what it could mean for cancer therapy.

Additionally, I'll highlight some vital career opportunities within the life sciences industry that we're currently focusing on. These roles are essential for advancing medical innovations and maintaining regulatory compliance, showcasing the vital and dynamic nature of this industry.

I'll also share insights into the challenges and strategies of biotech recruitment, based on my own experiences and broader industry trends. The competitive environment for talent in biotech highlights the need for creative hiring and team-building

Aspire Life Sciences growth continues, I'm pleased to announce that we've welcomed two new members to our team. Their arrival is a significant boost to our commitment to excellence and innovation in recruiting for the life sciences.

Thank you for joining me this month. I look forward to diving into these topics with you.

Infinitopes Precision Immunomics, led by CEO and co-founder Jonathan Kwok . They're making significant strides in the world of cancer treatment with their fresh approach, and they've recently secured an impressive ￡12.8 million in seed funding. This Oxford University spinout firm is backed by top investors like Octopus Ventures and renowned organisations such as Cancer Research Horisons and the Cancer Research Institute.

Infinitopes is all about personalised cancer vaccines. They're using cutting-edge technology to pinpoint tumour signatures and develop targeted vaccines that could change the game in cancer treatment. Jonathan Kwok, CEO and co-founder of Infinitopes, sums up their mission perfectly: "We continue to seek academic and big pharma collaborators, smart technical investors, and passionate new hires and interns to join our mission to cure cancer." With a strong focus on collaboration and a commitment to innovation, Infinitopes is a biotech to watch in the fight against this devastating disease.

Coming out of stealth mode after a successful $10 million seed financing round, Outrun Therapeutics specialises in E3 ligase inhibition and protein stabilisation. Their innovative platform has enabled the rapid development of a pipeline of highly selective, small molecule E3 ligase inhibitors, with a focus on hard-to-treat solid tumours.

E3 ligase inhibition holds immense promise as a therapeutic approach across various diseases. By targeting specific E3 ligases, Outrun aims to stabilise proteins at the source, restoring the body's natural disease suppression processes. This approach could revolutionise treatments in areas like oncology and neurology, offering precision medicines with minimised side effects.

With a proprietary high-throughput platform and a seasoned management team, Outrun is well-positioned to lead the way in protein stabilisation therapies. Dr. Carolyn Porter, CEO of Outrun Therapeutics, emphasises the potential of their approach, stating, "We are bringing our world-class knowledge of E3 ligase biology and protein-to-protein interactions to unlock the potential of this exciting new therapeutic area." With strong backing from leading investors and a focus on innovation, Outrun is set to make a significant impact in the field of biotech.

To wrap up my top three biotechs of the month with Neurosterix, an exciting venture in the field of neurological therapeutics. Through a collaboration between Geneva-based Addex Therapeutics and funds affiliated with Perceptive Advisors , Neurosterix aims to accelerate the development of allosteric modulator therapies for neurological disorders. With an initial funding of $63 million from Perceptive Xontogeny Venture Fund II, this partnership marks a significant step forward in the quest for innovative treatments.

In this arrangement, Addex contributes a portfolio of preclinical assets and its allosteric modulator drug discovery technology platform. In return, Addex receives CHF5 million and a 20% equity interest in Neurosterix, ensuring financial stability and enabling the company to reach important milestones in partnered programs. Tim Dyer, CEO of Addex, emphasised the significance of this transaction, stating, "This transaction significantly reduces Addex operating costs and provides CHF5 million of cash, thereby extending our cash runway beyond 2026." With a focus on advancing novel therapies and addressing unmet medical needs, Neurosterix is poised to make a meaningful impact in the field of neurological disorders. Stay tuned for updates on their progress!

We're currently working on an exciting opportunity for our client, a leading innovator in the healthcare industry. They're in search of an experienced Quality & Regulatory Affairs Manager specialising in Medical Devices to join their team in Stockholm, Sweden. In this position, the selected candidate will play a pivotal role in ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and driving the development and execution of regulatory strategies.

For more details or to express your interest, contact my colleague Taylor Lyons at [email protected].

Here's another exclusive opportunity, the Head of Sales role in Germany for one of our esteemed clients. With a strong global presence in pharmaceuticals spanning Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, specialising in Oncology and Anaesthesia, this company values excellence and integrity in their business approach. The Head of Sales will lead Germany's sales initiatives, guiding a team of Regional and German Key Account Managers, and refining the sales strategy with market insights for greater success. It's a chance to contribute meaningfully to the pharmaceutical landscape. For further details or to apply, reach out to me at [email protected] or visit our website.

In my latest blog, "What early-stage companies often forget when fundraising?" I tackle the critical aspect of talent acquisition in the biotech industry. Based on insightful conversations with industry experts and investors, I explore the challenges and opportunities companies face when it comes to hiring top talent.

At Aspire Life Sciences, we offer a practical solution called the Map & Raise report. This report helps biotech startups navigate the complexities of talent acquisition by providing clear insights and guidance.

In the blog, I offer an in-depth look at the features of the Map & Raise report. This invaluable resource leverages our extensive industry knowledge and data-driven insights to provide companies with a clear roadmap for building high-performing teams. From mapping the talent landscape to identifying critical skills and evaluating location-based advantages, our report empowers companies to make informed recruitment decisions that drive growth.

I invite you to explore the full blog post for a detailed overview of how the Map & Raise report can benefit your biotech company.

I'm pleased to share that our team at Aspire Life Sciences Search is expanding again with the addition of two new members.

Firstly, we welcome Edward Smith , joining us as a Recruitment Consultant specialising in Regulatory Affairs and Quality for the Biotech and Pharmaceutical industries across Europe. Edward's role is dedicated to understanding the specific needs of companies in these sectors and matching them with the right talent to support their growth and compliance.

Additionally, we're excited to introduce our new Head of Computational Science, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Erin Blank . With expertise spanning computational biology, bioinformatics, computational chemistry, and machine learning, Erin brings a wealth of experience to our efforts in leveraging advanced technologies to propel our clients' success in the life sciences industry.

Their expertise strengthens our ability to provide exceptional recruitment solutions and support the growth of companies in the life sciences industry.

Please join me in welcoming Edward and Erin to the Aspire Life Sciences team. We look forward to their contributions and collaboration as we continue to serve our clients and expand our capabilities.

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Wishing you a month filled with discoveries and progress.

Best regards,

James Trott