Cizzle Biotech Ltd.

Cizzle Biotechnology Holdings PLC is a diagnostics firm focused on developing a blood test for the early detection of lung cancer. The company originated as a spin-out from the University of York in 2004, founded by Professor Dawn Coverley to commercialize her research. Professor Coverley, a cell biologist with extensive experience in cancer research, discovered the CIZ1B protein variant, which serves as the core of the company's diagnostic technology. Her academic journey includes a genetics degree, a PhD in biochemistry from Cancer Research UK, and postdoctoral work at the University of Cambridge before establishing her own research group at the University of York in 2002.

The company's primary product is an ELISA-based immunoassay designed to detect the CIZ1B biomarker in blood plasma. This protein variant is predominantly found in and released by lung tumor cells, making it a specific marker for early-stage lung cancer. The test aims to provide a non-invasive, cost-effective, and accurate method for early diagnosis, a critical factor given that lung cancer is often detected at late stages when survival rates are significantly lower. The technology is designed to identify the cancer long before symptoms appear and has demonstrated high sensitivity in retrospective studies. This approach offers an alternative to current screening methods like CT scans, which have high false-positive rates leading to unnecessary invasive procedures.

Cizzle Biotechnology operates on a business model centered on licensing its patented technology to partners for commercialization, generating revenue through upfront payments, guaranteed royalties, and equity stakes in its partners. A key strategic move was the exclusive licensing agreement with Cizzle Bio Inc., a U.S.-based entity, to market the CIZ1B test in North America. This partnership structure allows Cizzle Biotechnology to mitigate the high costs and risks associated with clinical trials, regulatory accreditation (such as CLIA), and marketing, which are shouldered by the licensee. The company is also pursuing a similar agreement for the China market and is working towards global adoption with ongoing clinical trials. After operating as a private entity and raising early-stage funding, Cizzle Biotechnology Holdings PLC was listed on the London Stock Exchange in May 2021 following the acquisition of Cizzle Biotechnology Limited.

Keywords: CIZ1B biomarker, lung cancer diagnostics, blood test, early cancer detection, non-invasive diagnostics, immunoassay, University of York spin-out, Dawn Coverley, cancer biomarkers, molecular diagnostics, ELISA test, clinical laboratory assay, oncology diagnostics, liquid biopsy, CLIA certification, diagnostics licensing, medtech, life sciences, Cizzle Bio Inc, public biotechnology company