Northern Gritstone has invested £1.8 million in Apini, a biotech firm developing novel therapeutics for chronic inflammatory diseases, leveraging academic research from the University of Manchester.

Target Information

Apini is a pioneering small molecule therapeutics initiative that has emerged from the University of Manchester. This innovative program is focused on developing treatments for chronic inflammatory diseases, notably Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis, which are prevalent forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affecting approximately 10 million individuals globally. The novel approach of Apini aims to address the significant unmet needs within this medical field by specifically targeting the enzyme eNAMPT, which has been linked to multiple inflammatory conditions.

Founded by the esteemed Professor Sam Butterworth, renowned for his contributions to drug development—including the famous anti-cancer medication Tagrisso—Apini combines cutting-edge scientific research with the aim of delivering effective treatments for chronic inflammatory diseases. Early preclinical studies indicate that selective modulators of eNAMPT could provide therapies that effectively manage inflammation without the adverse effects of immune suppression.

Industry Overview

The market for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) therapies is expanding rapidly, particularly as the global population continues to rise. Current treatments primarily focus on immunosuppressive therapies, which often have significant side effects, leading to an urge