press release

Oxford SimCell Limited (‘OSC’ or the ‘Company’), a pioneering spinout company from the University of Oxford, is thrilled to announce that the Company has been awarded a grant from Innovate UK’s Transformative Technologies program. The grant will support OSC’s research into exploring the potential of SimCells in combating Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infections. 

Innovate UK, the UK’s national innovation agency, provides funding and support to businesses undertaking transformative projects that have the potential to disrupt industries and bring about significant advancements. OSC’s success in securing this grant underscores the immense potential of their innovative approach to bacterial vaccine development. 

The SimCell platform developed by OSC represents a paradigm shift in vaccine research. SimCells are genome-free bacterial cells engineered to carry out specific functions without replicating. By harnessing this cutting-edge technology, OSC aims to revolutionize the development of bacterial vaccines, overcoming traditional challenges associated with antigen identification, vaccine efficacy, and vaccine manufacturing. 

The focus of the grant will be on exploring the potential of SimCells to vaccinate against pathogenic S. aureus infections, which are a major global health concern. S. aureus can cause a range of infections, from skin and soft tissue infections to life-threatening bloodstream infections, and is a leading contributor to worldwide deaths associated with antimicrobial resistance (AMR). OSC aims to leverage SimCell platform technology in S. aureus and develop novel vaccine candidates against this pathogen, with the potential to significantly impact public health worldwide. 

Dr. Joseph Kennerley, Chief Scientific Officer at OSC, expressed excitement about the grant award, stating: “Antimicrobial resistant bacteria like S. aureus are a major challenge in global health and require novel countermeasures. This grant from Innovate UK is a tremendous opportunity for OSC to leverage SimCell technology and create an important vaccine against S. aureus. We are grateful for the recognition and support from Innovate UK, who are helping us push the boundaries of bacterial vaccine development and drive innovation in the field.” 

For further information about OSC and its transformative research on SimCells, please contact: 

Mr Michael Xiang, Chief Executive Officer – michael.xiang@oxfordsimcell.com  

Dr Chia-Chen (Jane) Hsu, Chief Operating Officer – jane.hsu@oxfordsimcell.com 

About Oxford SimCell Limited: 

Oxford SimCell Limited is a spinout company from the University of Oxford, dedicated to leveraging the SimCell platform to revolutionize the development of bacterial vaccines. Using live bacteria as vaccines and therapies for diseases has long been seen as an attractive idea, offering a way to target the immune system more comprehensively. Unfortunately, the approach is difficult to control, with potentially dangerous side-effects. SimCell technology solves this problem by producing bacterial cells that lack genetic material (DNA) and are therefore unable to divide. By harnessing the power of SimCells, OSC aims to address significant global health challenges and enhance the effectiveness of vaccines. The company is committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation and driving positive change in the field of healthcare. 

For further information, please visit: https://oxfordsimcell.com/