Syndex Bio raises $15.5M seed and unveils mcPCR platform for DNA methylation analysis
Cambridge, UK-based Syndex Bio has announced on Monday the introduction of its proprietary mcPCR™ (methyl-copying PCR) platform at the Advances in Genome Biology and Technology (AGBT) meeting in Orlando, Florida, alongside the close of an oversubscribed $15.5 million seed financing round led by ARCH Venture Partners, with participation from +ND Capital, OMX Ventures and Meltwind Advisory LLP.
mcPCR enables what the company describes as “PCR for methylation,” allowing precise and high-fidelity copying of both DNA methylation marks and the four-base genetic code during amplification. By enabling simpler, faster and more sensitive analysis of methylated DNA, the company states that the platform is intended to support testing of clinical samples, particularly non-invasive and small-sample biopsies used for early disease detection and recurrence monitoring.
According to Syndex Bio, the funds raised will support expansion of the mcPCR platform, development of clinical workflows and applications, and build-out of its R&D footprint in Cambridge, UK.
Preserving methylation during amplification
In conventional PCR, nucleotide sequence is copied, but epigenetic modifications such as 5-methylcytosine (5mC) are not preserved. In mcPCR, cycles of high-fidelity polymerase-mediated primer extension are combined with a proprietary methyltransferase step. After each extension step produces hemi-methylated DNA strands, 5mC modifications are copied onto the newly synthesised strands using methyltransferase enzymes. By overcoming what the company describes as a fundamental limitation of PCR, mcPCR is designed to amplify both the 5mC patterns and the underlying genetic sequences of the original sample.
“Syndex Bio’s mcPCR platform makes amplifying DNA methylation possible for the first time. This powerful method will redefine the sensitivity and accuracy that is achievable in DNA methylation analysis, opening new possibilities for early detection and disease monitoring,” said Founder and CEO Geoff Smith. “We’re honoured to have the support of world-class investors and advisers as we advance toward clinical translation.”
Smith will present a poster titled “mcPCR: PCR for Methylation” (#470) at the AGBT General Meeting.
Financing and board expansion
In conjunction with the financing, Gautam Kollu, former Chief Commercial Officer of Grail, has joined the company’s Board of Directors alongside Patrick Weiss (Chairman), Geoff Smith, Sean Kendall of ARCH Venture Partners and Eric Moessinger.
“The mcPCR platform removes the technical barriers that have long limited epigenetics, finally allowing us to tap into the highest-value segments of the molecular diagnostics market,” said Kollu. “This capability is essential for expanding precise clinical testing across diverse disease areas, where sensitivity has historically been the bottleneck.”
Sean Kendall, Partner at ARCH Venture Partners and Board Member at Syndex Bio, added: “This milestone is testament to Syndex Bio’s talented team and their extraordinary efforts in launching this foundational technology. We believe mcPCR holds the potential to elevate the accuracy and speed of cancer screening and diagnosis and look forward to seeing the company continue to go from strength to strength.”
Methylation in oncology
DNA methylation is widely used as a biomarker in oncology, including in multi-cancer early detection approaches that analyse circulating cell-free DNA. Grail recently reported that a large NHS trial of its multi-cancer early detection test did not meet its primary endpoint, highlighting the complexity of validating population-scale cancer screening strategies.
Syndex Bio is introducing mcPCR as a platform technology designed to support methylation analysis in research and clinical workflows.
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