GREATER MANCHESTER, UK – Today, Carocell Bio, the anti-inflammation therapeutics company, announced that it has received £250,023.32 from Deepbridge Capital, an investment firm focused on life sciences, disruptive technologies and renewable energy. The news follows initial pre-clinical testing data for Carocell Bio’s lead anti-inflammatory peptide JEL3108, which provides an innovative approach to preventing scar formation after surgery and treating severe burns.
The additional funding will support Carocell Bio’s research into its proprietary peptides, including their unique anti-inflammatory mechanism. So far, JEL3108’s high selectivity for mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK, p38-alpha) has demonstrated the capability to potentially inhibit the intracellular inflammation cascade. Its 150-fold selectivity for p38-alpha over p38-beta, and 10,000-fold over other kinases could provide a much more targeted and possibly safer approach than those currently available*. The efficacy of the peptides could also be enhanced by using the nanoparticle topical delivery system being developed by the company, which would facilitate a higher rate of cell penetration through the skin’s surface.
Carocell Bio’s CEO, Dr Mike Davies, commented:
“We are delighted to announce this new investment and look forward to working with Deepbridge Capital. The contribution will allow us to further develop our portfolio of patented peptides for anti-inflammatory applications, including preventing scarring and treating burns. The next step involves the continuation of our ongoing pre-clinical studies, which will get us even closer to clinical testing – and with that, to the possibility of demonstrating the therapy’s potential to make a positive and lasting change to patients’ lives.”
Deepbridge Capital’s Investment Manager, Ben Carter, added:
“We are glad to establish our partnership with Carocell Bio through our initial investment. It is exciting to contribute to an area of medicine that still has plenty of opportunities for growth and improvement, including the potential for direct impact on patient treatment and patient quality-of-life. We are confident about the potential of this new therapeutic approach, and look forward to future as the lead peptide continues its pre-clinical testing.”
*Based upon in-house data.
