PhoreMost and Puraffinity: Two Biotech Innovators Making Waves in Healthcare

September 10, 2024, 11:56 pm
BGF Ventures
BGF Ventures
ServiceBusinessTechnologyProductITManagementSoftwareCareDesignData
Location: United Kingdom, England, Westminster
Employees: 51-200
Founded date: 2011
In the world of biotechnology, innovation is the lifeblood that fuels progress. Two companies, PhoreMost and Puraffinity, are leading the charge with groundbreaking advancements in drug development and environmental remediation. Both have recently secured significant funding, propelling their missions forward and positioning them as key players in their respective fields.

PhoreMost, a biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, UK, has just announced an impressive $12 million addition to its Series B financing, bringing the total to over $50 million. This funding, led by Parkwalk Advisors, will support the development of novel degrader assets aimed at treating oncology and inflammatory diseases. PhoreMost’s SITESEEKER® platform is at the heart of its operations, enabling the discovery of new ligases that can target previously elusive drug targets.

The company has made remarkable strides since its last funding round in 2021. It has expanded its drug discovery operations and advanced multiple degrader programs through proof-of-concept studies. The new investment will accelerate these programs toward preclinical development, allowing PhoreMost to explore uncharted territories in drug discovery.

PhoreMost’s GlueSEEKER™ platform is another feather in its cap. This innovative tool informs molecular glue design, targeting unprecedented molecular structures. The potential applications are vast, and the company is poised to establish collaborations with pharmaceutical giants. The CEO, Dr. Neil Torbett, expressed excitement about the company’s trajectory, emphasizing the importance of this funding in solidifying PhoreMost’s leadership in the next-generation degrader field.

On the other side of the biotech spectrum, Puraffinity is tackling a pressing environmental issue: the removal of toxic perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from water. Based in London, this startup has raised £6.73 million in funding, completing a £16.93 million Series A round. The investment was spearheaded by BGF, with participation from several other venture capital firms.

Puraffinity’s flagship product, Puratech®, is a patented material designed to capture PFAS compounds. These substances have been linked to serious health risks, including cancer, making their removal from water sources critical. Puratech is not just a one-size-fits-all solution; it can be customized to fit into existing water treatment systems and tailored to capture specific PFAS compounds. This adaptability positions Puraffinity as a leader in the fight against water contamination.

The company was founded in 2015 by Henrik Hagemann and Gabi Santosa, emerging from the prestigious Imperial College. With the recent appointment of Vincent Caillaud as CEO, Puraffinity is set to scale its production and expand its global reach. Caillaud brings over 20 years of experience in the water sector, having previously led Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions. His leadership is expected to enhance market access for Puraffinity’s innovative technology.

Both PhoreMost and Puraffinity exemplify the spirit of innovation that drives the biotech industry. They are not just responding to market demands; they are shaping the future of healthcare and environmental sustainability. PhoreMost’s focus on targeted protein degradation could revolutionize how we approach cancer and inflammatory diseases. Meanwhile, Puraffinity’s commitment to cleaning our water supply addresses a critical public health issue.

The funding these companies have secured is a testament to the confidence investors have in their technologies and leadership. For PhoreMost, the additional $12 million will enable the progression of its high-value oncology and inflammation programs. For Puraffinity, the £6.73 million will facilitate the scaling of its PFAS-capturing technology, allowing it to meet the growing demand for clean water solutions.

As these companies forge ahead, they will likely attract more attention from investors and collaborators alike. The biotech landscape is competitive, but those who innovate and adapt will thrive. PhoreMost and Puraffinity are not just participating in this race; they are setting the pace.

In conclusion, the journeys of PhoreMost and Puraffinity highlight the dynamic nature of the biotech industry. With significant funding in hand, both companies are well-positioned to make a lasting impact. Whether it’s through advancing drug discovery or cleaning our water supply, their efforts will resonate far beyond their laboratories. The future looks bright for these innovators, and the world will be watching as they continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in healthcare and environmental science.