11 November 2016: University of Canberra spin out company EpiAxis Therapeutics Pty Ltd (EpiAxis) has taken out the Startup Slam at BIO-Europe, a major business partnering event for the global biotechnology industry in Cologne, Germany.
EpiAxis, which was established by the University in December last year to develop new treatments to minimise the recurrence of breast cancer, was the only Australian finalist in the Startup Slam. CEO of EpiAxis, Dr Jeremy Chrisp presented a three minute pitch about the company and its research, going up against 14 well-credentialed, international companies from the United States, Germany, the UK, Sweden and Israel.
The company’s work is based on research by University of Canberra’s Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Sudha Rao and her team, who have identified the pivotal enzyme system controlling the proliferation of circulating tumour and cancer stem cells that leads to metastatic disease. More importantly, Professor Rao and her team have identified small molecules and peptides against these novel enzyme targets.
Dr Chrisp impressed the six judges, including representatives of Johnson & Johnson Innovation; the Lead Discovery Center GmbH; and the Innovation Forum, an accelerator for science-based ventures.
As the winner, EpiAxis will receive mentorship from Johnson & Johnson Innovation and registration for BIO-Europe 2017.
Dr Chrisp said the competition was an excellent opportunity for EpiAxis’ work to reach an international audience.
“Winning the competition was a fantastic recognition for the team, and being able to deliver a pitch to an audience of experienced investors and potential partners was an excellent opportunity. We believe this could lead to more global engagement and interest in our novel epigenetic program. Professor Rao’s team is aiming to have EpiAxis’ inhibitors included as standard of care for metastatic disease.”
Kurt Hertogs of Johnson & Johnson Innovation said the judging panel was impressed with the startups that took to the stage, adding that they were delighted to uncover fresh talent in the biotech industry.
“These emerging entrepreneurs took the opportunity to pitch to a room full of leaders who have the ability to help advance the most promising science into potential transformative healthcare solutions,” he said.