Isomab

Isomab Ltd is a UK-based biopharmaceutical company developing isoform-specific, disease-modifying antibody treatments for life-limiting diseases associated with peripheral ischemia. Founded in March 2022 as a spin-out from the University of Nottingham, the company's scientific foundation is based on over two decades of research into the role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGF-A) splice isoforms in regulating new blood vessel formation. The company was co-founded by Professor David Bates of the University of Nottingham and Professor Steve Harper of the University of Bristol. CEO Jackie Turnbull leads the management team, bringing over 35 years of experience in the global biotech and pharmaceutical industry.

The company's core technology targets the balance between VEGF-A splice isoforms, which is often disrupted in diseases like peripheral arterial disease (PAD), particularly in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Isomab's lead program, ISM-001, is a humanized antibody designed to neutralize the VEGF-A165b isoform. This inhibition is intended to restore blood flow and promote the formation of new collateral blood vessels in ischemic tissues, addressing a significant unmet need for patients at high risk of amputation. The initial focus is on treating PAD in patients who also have metabolic syndrome and Type 2 diabetes.

Isomab's business model is centered on research and development, with a goal of advancing its lead candidate into clinical trials. The company's revenue streams are expected to come from partnerships, grants, and the future commercialization of its antibody therapies. In February 2024, Isomab secured £7.5 million in a seed financing round led by Broadview Ventures, with participation from SCVC and the MEIF Proof of Concept & Early Stage Fund. This funding is aimed at advancing the pre-clinical development of ISM-001 to prepare for clinical trials. The company has also entered into strategic collaborations with Pfizer Ignite and Catalent to support the preclinical development and manufacturing of ISM-001.

Keywords: isoform-specific antibodies, peripheral arterial disease, VEGF-A165b, ischemic disease, biopharmaceutical, antibody therapies, vascular disease, diabetic vascular disease, ISM-001, drug development, preclinical, clinical trials, angiogenesis, limb ischemia, humanized antibody, metabolic syndrome, venture capital, cardiovascular disease, biologics, life sciences