November 2, 2015 / Cypralis, a life sciences company focussed on the discovery of therapeutics for the modulation of peptidyl-prolyl isomerases (PPIases), has been awarded funding by Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency.

Inhibitors of PPIase cyclophilin that are on the market are non-selective between the four commonly screened cyclophilin isoforms A, B, C and D. The objective of this feasibility study is to generate a new class of selective inhibitors of cyclophilin D applicable to targeting degenerative diseases such as pancreatitis, ischaemias and CNS degeneration.

Simon Kerr, CEO of Cypralis commented: ‘The project will be co-funded by Innovate UK and will enable Cypralis to further expand its base of subtype-selective cyclophilin inhibitors, which we expect to lead to novel medicines for a range of acute and chronic degenerative diseases. We are also delighted to be working closely with Selcia Ltd and The University of Liverpool on delivering this feasibility study.’

ENDS

About Cypralis

Cypralis was spun out from Selcia Limited (Ongar, Essex) in 2013 to exploit its extensive expertise and know-how in targeting peptidyl-prolyl isomerases (known as PPIases), a large family of druggable protein targets involved in many acute and chronic diseases. Cypralis is dedicated to the discovery and development of highly innovative therapeutics through inhibition of PPIases and expects to build upon its existing intellectual property estate through its own R&D activities and also through risk-sharing collaborations with pharmaceutical companies. For further information visit www.cypralis.com

Cyclophilins are a family of enzymes that assist in the folding and transportation of other proteins synthesized within a cell and play key roles in a number of important cellular functions including transcription, translation, apoptosis and kinase signaling. Cyclophilin D plays a pivotal role in controlling mitochondrial mediated programmed cell death, and Cypralis’ selective inhibitors of CypD offer potential for treatment of both acute and chronic degenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, muscular dystrophies, and pancreatic inflammation. Further, secreted cyclophilins display chemotactic and cytokine-like activity, and compounds targeting the catalytic activity of extracellular cyclophilins show promise as treatments for disease states including vasculitis, asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.

About Innovate UK

Innovate UK is the new name for the Technology Strategy Board – the UK’s innovation agency. Taking a new idea to market is a challenge. Innovate UK funds, supports and connects innovative businesses through a unique mix of people and programmes to accelerate sustainable economic growth.

For further information visit www.gov.uk/government/organisations/innovate-uk

FEASIBILITY STUDIES:

‘Feasibility Studies’ are single-company or collaborative R&D grant schemes run by Innovate UK that allow businesses the opportunity to test an innovative idea and its feasibility to be developed and eventually taken to market. Feasibility studies are a way for companies to carry out exploratory studies which could lead to the development of new products, processes, models, experiences or services. The study could involve for instance investigating the technical feasibility of a new idea.

www.gov.uk/guidance/innovation-apply-for-a-funding-award#find-an-innovation-funding-programme

Media enquiries:

Andy Matthew
O2PR
andy.matthews@o2pr.co.u
Tel: +44 (0)7967 153753

All other enquiries:

Simon Kerr
CEO, Cypralis
contact@cypralis.co
Tel: +44 (0)1277 367000