EMBL spin-off Epitome Therapeutics launches to advance precision epigenome editing
The spin-off aims to develop a new generation of precision medicines using epigenome editing to precisely regulate gene expression without altering DNA
A newly launched EMBL spin-off, Epitome Therapeutics, aims to translate pioneering research in epigenome editing into a new generation of precision medicines. Co-founded by EMBL Group Leader Jamie Hackett, the company builds on cutting-edge research at EMBL Rome and will develop therapies that precisely regulate gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence.
The company’s proprietary CADENCE platform is based on research from the Hackett group at EMBL Rome, including discoveries published in Nature Genetics in 2024. The technology was exclusively licensed to Epitome Therapeutics through EMBLEM Technology Transfer GmbH (EMBLEM), EMBL’s wholly owned commercial arm and exclusive technology transfer partner. CADENCE represents a new approach to epigenome editing, enabling precise, durable, and tunable activation of gene expression.
While recent advances in gene editing have focused primarily on altering DNA sequences, many diseases actually result from genes being expressed at the wrong level rather than having the wrong sequence. Epitome Therapeutics is developing technologies designed to restore gene expression to therapeutically meaningful levels, creating opportunities to address diseases driven by dysregulated gene activity, including rare genetic and metabolic disorders.
“Genes do not need to be simply on or off – they need to be expressed at the right level,” said Jamie Hackett, EMBL Group Leader and co-founder of Epitome Therapeutics. “Our research has shown that epigenome editing can provide precise control over gene dosage, opening up the possibility of developing a new class of medicines that fine-tune gene activity rather than permanently altering the genome.”
The launch of Epitome Therapeutics reflects EMBL’s commitment to translating fundamental discoveries into societal impact. Through EMBLEM, EMBL supports researchers throughout the commercialisation journey: from protecting intellectual property and structuring spin-offs to securing early-stage validation funding, finding and building experienced leadership teams, and licensing technologies so that breakthroughs in fundamental research can ultimately benefit society at large.
Epitome Therapeutics was established with support from EMBLEM, which co-financed early validation of the CADENCE platform through the EMBL-GSK Young Entrepreneurs Award (co-funded with GSK), contributed to company formation, licensing, early-stage financing that leveraged additional funding, and continues to provide strategic support to the company.
“A cornerstone of successful spin-offs is excellent, ground-breaking science, but that alone is not enough. From company formation and intellectual property licensing to early validation funding and building the right leadership team, translating research into impact is a collaborative effort,” said Jürgen Bauer, Deputy Managing Director of EMBLEM.
The company has secured €4 million in initial funding through a combination of venture investment and competitive grant funding. The pre-seed round was co-led by XISTA Science Ventures and Caesar Ventures, with further participation from Navec Venture Holding GmbH and EMBLEM. Additional funding was secured through support from the Austrian federal development and financing bank AWS and the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG).
This support will enable Epitome Therapeutics to further develop the CADENCE platform, expand its scientific team, and advance its first therapeutic programmes toward drug candidate selection.
