Awen Oncology

Awen Oncology, a spin-out from Bangor and Cardiff universities, was established in 2021 by co-founders Dr. Ramsay McFarlane (CEO), Dr. Jane Wakeman (CSO), and Professor Andrea Brancale (Chairman). Professor Brancale is a recognized authority in computational medicinal chemistry, and the founding team's collective expertise forms the company's scientific foundation. Initially supported by a Cancer Research UK grant, the company is headquartered at M-SParc, a dedicated science park in Gaerwen, Wales. Awen Oncology has secured over £1 million in total funding, including a significant 2024 seed round from the Development Bank of Wales and Start Codon. This financial backing is complemented by support from Innovate UK and the Welsh Government SMART capital programme.

The company operates in the preclinical oncology drug development sector, focusing on creating therapeutics for a range of malignancies, including rare cancers with limited treatment options. Awen Oncology's core business revolves around its proprietary drug discovery platform. This platform targets human developmental genes that are typically dormant in healthy adult tissues but become reactivated during the onset and progression of cancer. By focusing on these previously untargeted, cancer-specific factors, the company aims to develop first-in-class drugs with improved efficacy and fewer side effects compared to conventional treatments.

Awen's methodology integrates high-throughput cell and molecular biology with advanced computational techniques and in-silico screening to identify and validate novel therapeutic targets and develop small molecule inhibitors. This approach is designed to accelerate the drug discovery process. The company's business model is centered on advancing these drug candidates through preclinical development, with the ultimate goal of partnering with larger pharmaceutical firms or licensing its assets for clinical trials and commercialization. Awen Oncology collaborates with strategic partners, including patient advocacy groups and academic institutions like the University of Cambridge Milner Therapeutic Institute, to advance its mission.

Keywords: oncology drug discovery, cancer therapeutics, preclinical development, small molecule inhibitors, computational chemistry, developmental genes, targeted therapy, anti-cancer drugs, university spin-out, venture capital-backed, biopharmaceutical, molecular biology, rare cancers, drug development platform, cell biology, Cancer Research UK, M-SParc, Bangor University, Cardiff University, life sciences