Ixaka (formerly Rexgenero) launches as an integrated cell and gene therapy company

Ixaka (formerly Rexgenero) launches as an integrated cell and gene therapy company

Additional financing from existing shareholders will accelerate proprietary multi-cell and targeted nanoparticle technologies

London, UK, 18 January 2021: Ixaka Ltd, an integrated cell and gene therapy company focused on the natural power of the body to cure disease, launches today. The Company’s shareholders have funded the business with over £40 million in financing.

Previously Rexgenero Ltd, a UK-based company pioneering the development of cell therapies to treat serious diseases such as cancer and chronic limb-threatening ischaemia (CLTI), the launch of Ixaka follows integration of its nanoparticle gene therapy business in France and a shareholder restructuring.

The new business will continue to develop Ixaka’s proprietary technologies – concentrated multi-cell therapies (MCTs) and targeted nanoparticle (TNP) therapeutics. Ixaka’s technologies enhance the naturally therapeutic power of cells by targeting curative cells at the site of disease, or by directly modifying cells within the body to improve disease targeting and boost their restorative function. 

Joe Dupere, CEO of Ixaka, commented: “Ixaka’s broad offering of integrated cell and gene therapy capabilities, encompassing cell-based products and an innovative in vivo gene delivery platform, provides a strong foundation for our ambitions to become a leader in cell and gene therapies. Our focus is now on accelerating progress to help realise the potential for durable and curative cell and gene therapies. By exploring multiple therapies across oncology and cardiovascular, genetic, neurological and autoimmune diseases, we are well positioned to bring life-changing treatments to multiple patient populations with critical unmet needs.”

REX-001, Ixaka’s lead MCT product, is an autologous cell-based product in clinical development for the treatment of CLTI. REX-001 is currently being evaluated in the pivotal Phase III SALAMANDER clinical trial at multiple sites across Europe.

Ixaka’s polymeric nanoparticle platform can be used to perform genetic modifications directly inside a patient’s body. The platform enables in vivo targeting and transduction of T cells, and is currently being applied to generate chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies in vivo for haematological malignancies. Modifications of the components will allow the technology to target a broad range of serious diseases, including cancers and genetic, neurological and autoimmune diseases.

A total of $15.4 billion was raised in the first half of 2020 for the development of cell and gene therapies, with 1,078 regenerative medicine and advanced therapy clinical trials ongoing worldwide¹.

References
1. https://alliancerm.org/sector-report/h1-2020-report/