StimOxyGen

StimOxyGen is a biotechnology company developing a therapeutic system to address tumour hypoxia, a common condition where low oxygen levels in solid tumours lead to resistance against cancer treatments. The company spun out of Ulster University in March 2021 following years of research and participation in the Innovation to Commercialisation of University Research (ICURe) program. It was co-founded by CEO Dr. Sian Farrell and CSO Professor Anthony McHale. Dr. Farrell, who developed a passion for cancer research after working as a hospital pharmacist, led the company to win multiple INVENT 2021 awards. Professor McHale is a co-inventor of the technology with over 20 years of experience in stimulus-responsive drug delivery systems.

The company's core technology revolves around its lead product, SGEN-33, a formulation of oxygen-generating nanoparticles. These nanoparticles are administered intravenously and are designed to dissolve in the acidic microenvironment of a tumour, releasing oxygen directly into the hypoxic regions. By increasing oxygenation, SGEN-33 aims to make solid tumours more susceptible to treatments like radiotherapy and immunotherapy, potentially improving efficacy by up to 300%. The business model focuses on developing SGEN-33 as an adjunct therapy to existing cancer treatments. The initial focus is on aggressive cancers with limited treatment options, particularly pancreatic cancer.

StimOxyGen operates in the oncology and biotechnology markets, targeting a significant unmet clinical need, as treatment resistance is a major cause of cancer-related deaths. The company is advancing its technology through preclinical studies and engaging with regulatory bodies like the FDA and MHRA to prepare for Phase I clinical trials. To fund these developments, StimOxyGen has secured significant investment, including a £1.5 million round in March 2025 led by DSW Ventures, with co-investment from QUBIS and Co-Fund NI, and additional grant funding from Innovate UK.

Keywords: tumour hypoxia, oxygen-generating nanoparticles, radiotherapy enhancement, cancer treatment resistance, SGEN-33, pancreatic cancer therapy, immunotherapy adjunct, oncology biotechnology, solid tumour treatment, drug delivery systems, clinical trials, medtech spinout, Ulster University, intravenous administration, cancer therapeutics, radioenhancer, stimulus-responsive therapeutics, preclinical studies, venture capital funding, Innovate UK