DefiniGEN

DefiniGEN

Biotechnology Research

Enabling cures for liver disease through highly predictive in vitro modelling

About us

DefiniGEN is a game-changing company headquartered in Cambridge, UK, with a mission to navigate drug development programs through uncertain terrain, minimizing risk while reducing costs and paving the way for a more efficient and effective future in the field of drug discovery. Our technology is revolutionizing liver models for efficacy and toxicology screening, utilizing a platform that enables the large-scale generation of hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) with functional relevance comparable to human primary cells. Our HLCs effectively simulate crucial aspects of disease pathophysiology across various liver conditions, providing a more accurate understanding for drug development. By integrating CRISPR/Cas9 technology, DefiniGEN replicates disease phenotypes catering to unmet needs for in vitro efficacy testing and enabling the study of previously inaccessible rare monogenic liver diseases. Our HLCs successfully replicate all aspects of hepatocyte pathophysiology, allowing them to replace primary liver cells in many aspects of toxicity testing. This breakthrough provides scientists with a reliable and consistent supply of highly functional hepatocytes for the first time.

Industry
Biotechnology Research
Company size
11-50 employees
Headquarters
Cambridge
Type
Privately Held
Specialties
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSC), Hepatocytes, Pancreatic Cells, Disease Modelling, Drug Discovery, Toxicity testing, Inherited Metabolic Diseases (IMD), screening, CRISPR Gene Editing, Hit-to-lead, Donor Variance Panel, and Intestinal Organoids

Locations

  • Primary

    Babraham Research Campus

    Babraham

    Cambridge, CB22 3AT, GB

    Get directions

Employees at DefiniGEN

Updates

  • Unlock the Power of Precision Gene Editing with DefiniGEN 🔬 Looking to accelerate your research with cutting-edge genome editing? DefiniGEN's expert-driven services are here to deliver results tailored to your needs. From permanent or conditional knock-outs, to point mutations and targeted insertions, we specialize in precise genetic modifications that empower ground-breaking discoveries. Why work with us? ✔ Unmatched Expertise: With years of experience handling iPSCs, we have a deep understanding of CRISPR-based genome editing. ✔ High Success Rates: Our proven methodologies ensure reliability and precision. ✔ Collaborative Approach: We partner closely with you to align every step with your research objectives. Whether you're driving innovation in drug development, disease modeling, or regenerative medicine, our genome editing services are designed to accelerate your progress. Ready to take your projects to the next level? Learn more about our services here: https://lnkd.in/e6PbjJDj #GeneEditing #CRISPR #iPSC #Biotechnology #GenomeEngineering #DrugDevelopment #liver #hepatocytes #liverdisease #DefiniGEN

    • No alternative text description for this image
  • Unlock the Power of personalized medicine with DefiniGEN: Experts in iPSC-Derived Hepatocytes In the rapidly evolving landscape of biomedical research, the ability to model human diseases with precision is critical for ground-breaking discoveries. DefiniGEN is at the forefront of this transformation, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to reprogram patient cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and differentiate them into hepatocytes. With our innovative approach, we empower researchers to unlock the full potential of patient-specific disease modeling and drug development. Why Choose DefiniGEN for iPSC-Derived Hepatocytes? At DefiniGEN, we are pioneers in the field of iPSC technology, offering unparalleled expertise in reprogramming patient cells and differentiating them into hepatocytes. Here’s why we stand out: ✅ Patient-Specific Precision: We use advanced reprogramming techniques to transform patient-derived cells into iPSCs, maintaining their unique genetic and disease-specific traits. This ensures that our hepatocyte models are highly relevant for studying individual patient conditions. ✅ Expert Differentiation into Hepatocytes: Our differentiation protocols produce hepatocytes that exhibit key functional characteristics on a level similar to that of primary cells. However, our cells provide an authentic platform for studying liver diseases and toxicology at scale and with no donor variation, unlike primary cells. ✅ Seamless Integration into Research Pipelines: Our hepatocytes are designed for versatility, making them ideal for a wide range of applications, from disease modeling and drug efficacy screening to toxicology screening. Learn more about our services today: https://lnkd.in/gpVndSis #diseasemodelling #heptatocytes #liver #liverdisease #geneediting #crispr #DefiniGEN

    • No alternative text description for this image
  • 2024 is coming to an end and it has been a game-changing year for DefiniGEN, filled with remarkable achievements and milestones. Here's a snapshot of what we've accomplished: ✅ Launching 2 Innovative Disease Models: We launched two cutting-edge iPSC-derived models: -MASLD Model – Featuring CRISPR-edited cells with the PNPLA3 mutation, revolutionizing MASLD research and drug discovery. -PFIC2 Disease Model. ✅ Launching the World's first commercially available iPSC-derived Hepatic Stellate Cells, providing researchers with mature, scalable cells free of donor variability. ✅ Breakthrough Research: Our iPSC-derived hepatocytes, Opti-HEP, were featured in 2 peer-reviewed articles that were published this year. This year, we've strengthened our position as a leader in biotechnology and drug discovery. Thank you to our partners, supporters, and the incredible team at DefiniGEN who made this possible. Curious to learn more? Check out the full details in our year-end wrap-up! #Biotechnology #DrugDiscovery #stemcells #iPSCs #Sustainability #DefiniGEN #liver #liverdisease #masld

  • Let's talk about the problems with HEPG2 and human primary hepatocytes: Immortalized cell lines like HepG2 are widely used due to their ease of use and proliferation capacity. However, they are derived from cancerous tissue, leading to significant differences from normal liver cells, such as reduced drug-metabolizing activity and abnormal karyotype. These discrepancies limit their utility for accurately modeling metabolic processes which skews efficacy and toxicology screening investigations. Primary human hepatocytes better reflect normal liver function but suffer from a limited lifespan, loss of phenotypic characteristics over time, and high donor variability. These issues hinder their scalability and reproducibility, critical factors for drug screening and long-term studies.   To overcome these drawbacks, DefiniGEN have created human iPSC-derived hepatocytes: Opti-HEP. Advantages of Opti-HEP: · They express comparable levels of liver maturity markers to primary human hepatocytes. · Opti-HEP express higher levels of urea cycle markers and secrete higher levels of urea compared to liver carcinoma cell lines. · They demonstrate comparable levels of CYP450 markers and CYP3A4 activity to primary human hepatocytes. · Opti-HEP demonstrate functional localization and function of ASGR1 for GalNAc-dependent drug deliveries. · Are sourced from a single donor so there is no donor variation leading to reproducible data. Learn more about the benefits of working with Opti-HEP today: https://lnkd.in/dsVg46U3   #stemcells #iPSCs #OptiHEP #liver #hepatocytes #liverdisease #Definigen

    • No alternative text description for this image
  • Recently, our CBO, Heidi Kingdon Jones, sat down with Scius Communications to discuss how to drive successful partnering in a feature for Informa Connect Life Sciences. Check out the case study here!

    View organization page for Scius Communications, graphic

    821 followers

    Discover how the partneringONE platform can transform your #biotech and #pharma collaboration strategy.👇 Our latest feature for Informa Connect Life Sciences showcases Heidi Kingdon Jones Chief Business Officer at DefiniGEN, as she shares expert insights and strategies for successful partnering. DefiniGEN is transforming liver disease research with its innovative iPSC-derived hepatocyte platform, Opti-Heps. Heidi explains how partneringONE streamlines networking, ensures strategic fit, and helps build long-term collaborations to drive innovation forward. From effectively navigating partnering events to crafting tailored meeting requests, this case study offers invaluable guidance for both newcomers and seasoned business development professionals. Curious to learn more? Dive into the full case study here: https://lnkd.in/eV-2QTvw 📧 Connect with us at [email protected]  EBD Group LSX #powerupyourpartnering #partneringONE #partneringsuccess

    • No alternative text description for this image
  • 🔬 Redefining Toxicology Screening with DefiniGEN’s Opti-HEP! Are you ready to advance your drug discovery process? Opti-HEP, our iPSC-derived hepatocyte model, offers a human-relevant, scalable, and ethical solution for toxicology screening. It’s time to overcome the limitations of primary cells, immortalized lines, and animal models with a system designed for precision and reliability. Discover how Opti-HEP enhances: ✅ Human metabolism modeling ✅ Chronic toxicity profiling ✅ Ethical, reproducible research 🌐 You can learn more by reading the full article here: https://lnkd.in/ex5srBBJ #ToxicologyScreening #iPSC #DrugDiscovery #stemcells #hepatocytes 

    • No alternative text description for this image
  • 🔬 Accelerate Your Research with DefiniGEN's Cutting-Edge Disease Modeling Solutions! DefiniGEN helps make difficult and time consuming CRISPR edits easy by working with you to create: ✨ Knock-In/Knock-Out Models: Precisely engineered genetic edits for accurate disease modeling. ✨ iPSC Differentiation: Mature, functional cells tailored to your research needs. ✨ Disease Modeling Services: Patient-specific solutions for novel therapeutic insights. Partner with us to drive innovation and tackle the toughest challenges in drug discovery! 🌐 Learn more about our services: https://lnkd.in/gpVndSis #crispr #GeneEditing #iPSC #DiseaseModeling #DrugDiscovery

    • No alternative text description for this image
  • We are very proud to have supported some of Cambridge Judge Business School's MBA students in their Cambridge Venture Project this year. Today, the students of Study group 40 delivered their detailed presentation to Marketing Manager, Haris Choudhery, Chief Business Officer, Heidi Kingdon Jones, CEO, Chris Kirton as well as two examiners from the Business school. Their Market research on iPSC-derived Hepatocytes and collaboration with DefiniGEN over the past 2 months has culminated in a detailed, well thought out and balanced presentation which will contribute to their MBA degree. Many congratulations to the team: Rachel Cottam, George Bourne, Ishika Bansal, Seki Guan, Ryogo Sekine and Thanadej Thovaravirut for all your hard work! #mba #definigen #marketresearch

    • No alternative text description for this image
  • 🌟 Revolutionize Your Research with DefiniGEN’s Cell Products! 🌟 At DefiniGEN, we provide highly characterized, mature iPSC-derived wild-type and disease models to support your cutting-edge research. Our product range includes: 🔬 Wild-Type & Disease Model Hepatocytes for conditions such as Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (A1ATD), Wilson’s Disease, PFIC2 and Urea Cycle disorders. 🔬 World’s first commercially available iPSC-derived Hepatic Stellates. 🔬 Intestinal Organoids. These models are designed to accelerate breakthroughs in drug development, disease modeling, toxicology investigations and efficacy screening by overcoming the drawbacks of primary, animal and immortalized cell models. 📢 Explore the full range here: https://lnkd.in/ey27Q2Uk #DiseaseModels #MASLD #A1ATD #hepatocytes #stemcells #iPSCs #Organoids #BiomedicalResearch #CellModels #drugdiscovery #liverdisease #nafld #mafld #nasld

    • No alternative text description for this image
  • 🚀 New Blog Alert: Advancing Liver Research with iPSC-Derived Hepatic Stellate Cells 🚀 At DefiniGEN, we are pushing the boundaries of liver research with our cutting-edge iPSC-derived Hepatic Stellate Cells:  Opti-HSC. In our latest blog post, we dive deep into how Opti-HSC are transforming understanding of liver biology and providing new avenues for drug discovery and disease research. 🔬 Why it matters: -First of its kind: Opti-HSC are the first commercially available iPSC-derived hepatic stellates on the market for researchers looking to model liver diseases or screen their compounds for drug discovery. -Accelerated drug development: Overcome the drawbacks associated with traditional models such as primary and immortalized cell models such as donor variation and lack of scalability -Accurate Disease Modeling: Opti-HSC express crucial activation markers, enabling precise modeling of hepatic fibrosis that closely mirrors human disease states. Discover how this innovative model could reshape and accelerate your liver research! 👉 Read the full blog here: https://lnkd.in/e9ccUyEY #LiverResearch #StemCells #iPSC #HepaticStellateCells #DrugDiscovery #FibrosisResearch #DiseaseModeling #ResearchAndDevelopment

    • No alternative text description for this image

Similar pages

Funding

DefiniGEN 6 total rounds

Last Round

Series A

US$ 3.1M

See more info on crunchbase