StimOxyGen Raises £1.5m to Battle Cancer Treatment Resistance
Deal News | Mar 11, 2025 | DSW Ventures
StimOxyGen, a spin-out from Ulster University, has secured £1.5 million in funding led by DSW Ventures to further develop its innovative therapy that aims to overcome treatment resistance in solid tumors by delivering oxygen directly to them. The company is focused on enhancing the effectiveness of treatments like radiotherapy and immunotherapy for aggressive cancers. Initial efforts are focused on pancreatic cancer, which has a low survival rate and limited treatment options. StimOxyGen's approach addresses hypoxia, a major challenge in treating cancers, and aims to improve patient outcomes significantly. The funding allows for advancement in preclinical studies, manufacturing scale-up, and team expansion as the company nears clinical trials. The investment was also supported by QUBIS and Clarendon, highlighting Northern Ireland's growing influence in life sciences.
Sectors
- Biotechnology
- Healthcare
- Private Equity & Venture Capital
Geography
- United Kingdom – The funding and development activities are centered in the UK, particularly involving Northern Irish entities and universities.
Industry
- Biotechnology – The article focuses on StimOxyGen's development of innovative cancer treatments, characteristic of the biotechnology sector.
- Healthcare – The healthcare industry is relevant due to the focus on improving cancer treatment outcomes for patients.
- Private Equity & Venture Capital – The article involves venture capital investment led by DSW Ventures in StimOxyGen.
Financials
- £1.5 million – Total funding secured by StimOxyGen to advance preclinical development.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| StimOxyGen | Target Company | Company | Biotech spin-out from Ulster University developing therapies to overcome cancer treatment resistance. |
| DSW Ventures | Lead Investor | Company | Private equity firm leading the investment in StimOxyGen's cancer therapy development. |
| QUBIS | Co-Investor | Company | Queens University Belfast's commercialization arm co-investing in StimOxyGen. |
| Co-Fund NI | Co-Investor | Company | Managed by Clarendon, Co-Fund NI co-invests to support local innovations. |
| Sian Farrell | CEO | Person | CEO leading StimOxyGen's efforts to advance its cancer treatment technology. |
| Emma Cassidy | Investment Manager | Person | Investment manager at DSW Ventures, overseeing the investment in StimOxyGen. |
| Clarendon Fund Managers | Fund Manager | Company | Manages Co-Fund NI and supports StimOxyGen's financial backing. |
| Ulster University | Academic Institution | Company | Research institution behind StimOxyGen's technology and support. |