New UK-based biotechnology company launched to realise therapeutic potential of deep screening technology developed at the LMB
Based in Cambridge, UK, Sortera Bio, a new LMB spinout company, aims to redefine early biologics discovery and engineering with its AI-powered high-throughput drug discovery platform, Deep Screening, developed and validated by Ben Porebski and Philipp Holliger at the LMB.
Deep Screening is an ultra-high-throughput method that enables rapid discovery of clinically relevant therapeutic candidates. In a single experiment the sequence and functional data can be collected in parallel for up to 3 billion biologics, to enable the precise identification of potential therapeutic candidates with desirable drug-like properties in a matter of days, compared to months when using previous methods. The resulting datasets are used to train generative AI models which can predict novel and higher-affinity biologic sequences that encode potentially superior therapeutics, further accelerating drug discovery.
The development of Deep Screening was the result of seven years of rigorous research, refinement and validation by Ben and Philipp in the LMB’s PNAC Division, with support from AstraZeneca through the LMB-AstraZeneca Blue Sky Collaboration. This new drug discovery platform is the latest example of clinically relevant technology developed at the LMB and builds upon the LMB’s previous pivotal antibody technology research.
Sortera was founded as a spin-out from the LMB by Ben, who now serves as Sortera’s CEO and CTO, and Philipp, who brings invaluable expertise and strategic guidance to the venture and serves on its Board.
Ben commented: “We are thrilled to embark on this pioneering journey with the support of our investors and partners. The launch of Sortera Bio empowers us to leverage the advantage of our breakthrough research, with the ambition to rapidly discover precision biologics that can positively impact patients’ lives.”
Jan Löwe, LMB Director, commented: “The LMB is proud to have supported the foundational work by Ben Porebski and Philipp Holliger that generated the powerful technology at the heart of Sortera Bio.
It is especially important to consider that the technology was developed as part of the LMB’s Blue Sky Collaboration with AstraZeneca, highlighting the benefits of close cross-sector collaborations. Innovation is a key part of what we do and the founding of Sortera Bio continues a long track record of spinning out exciting, useful and high-value companies.”
Steve Rees, Senior Vice President, Discovery Sciences, AstraZeneca, said: “Our Blue Sky Collaboration with the LMB is a shining example of the benefits and impact of working together with a shared goal. We are proud to work side-by-side with partners to support scientific innovation, entrepreneurship and growth across Cambridge and beyond.”
Further references
Philipp’s group page
Sortera Bio
LMB-AstraZeneca Blue Sky Collaboration
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