In a recent move that underscores its innovative approach to biotechnology, New York-based Ancilia Biosciences has successfully closed a $4.2 million financing round. This funding aims to propel the development of bacterial products and therapies that are not only unique but immune to viruses, enhancing their therapeutic potential.
Ancilia Biosciences, which draws on the natural capabilities of CRISPR technology originally discovered in bacteria, has positioned itself at the forefront of microbial product innovation. The company’s technologies, heralded from the pioneering work of co-founders Dr. Rodolphe Barrangou and David Paez-Espino, focus on harnessing CRISPR-Cas systems—nature’s own microbial defense mechanism—to create new forms of live biotherapeutics.
CRISPR-Cas systems were first identified in bacteria as a defense against viral attacks, a discovery that has since revolutionized gene editing. However, Ancilia Biosciences leverages this system for a different purpose: to enhance the resilience and efficacy of bacterial therapies against viral destruction, a common challenge in microbial treatments.
“The interplay between viruses and bacteria is nature’s oldest arms race,” explains Dr. Alexandra Sakatos, CEO of Ancilia. “Our goal is to strategically enhance the bacteria’s defense capabilities against viruses, using what could be described as the most ancient immune system—CRISPR-Cas.”
The funding round was led by Safar Partners and saw participation from other key investors including Metaplanet, Psymed Ventures, Zubi Capital, and Spacecadet Ventures. The influx of capital will enable Ancilia to advance its first therapeutic candidate toward clinical trials, with plans for further scaling and a subsequent financing round later in the year.
Ancilia’s innovative platforms, CoVE™ and EPIC, showcase the company’s capability to identify and characterize difficult-to-detect viruses and then fortify beneficial bacteria against these viral threats. These platforms not only hold promise in healthcare but also have potential applications in industries like agriculture and biomanufacturing, where microbial efficacy and survival are critical.
The addition of Vera Schroeder, PhD, to Ancilia’s Board of Directors further strengthens the company’s strategic direction. Dr. Schroeder, a partner at Safar Partners, brings extensive experience in chemistry, nanoscience, and materials science, which will be invaluable as Ancilia continues to navigate the complex landscape of biotechnology innovation.
“Ancilia stands out because it builds on significant foundational work in CRISPR technology to tackle a real-world problem: viral predation on beneficial bacteria,” says Dr. Schroeder. “Our investment reflects our confidence in Ancilia’s potential to redefine the scope of bacterial therapies and products.”
As Ancilia Biosciences strides forward, the scientific community watches keenly. If successful, its technologies could change the face of live bacterial therapeutics, providing more robust and effective treatments for a variety of applications. The journey from a natural bacterial defense mechanism to a cornerstone of biotechnological innovation is just beginning, and Ancilia is leading the charge.
