NEWS
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Nov 2020- Causeway Therapeutics has been endorsed by Scottish Business Pledge a scheme aimed at promoting fairness, equality, opportunity and Innovation in Scotland (https://scottishbusinesspledge.scot).
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Sept 2020 - Causeway Therapeutics is delighted to report the start of TenoMiR's Phase 1b human clinical trial in patients with Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow).
July 2020 - Causeway Therapeutics is awarded Scottish Enterprise funding to develop OsteoMiR a novel therapy for the treatment of osteoarthritis and lower back pain.
Nov 2019 - Causeway's CEO Derek Gilchrist speaks at Can Do Innovation summit in Glasgow
Feb 2019 - Causeway Therapeutics awarded Innovate UK funding £1.2M to support the Phase 1b clinical trial of TenoMiR in patients with Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow).
May 2018 - Causeway announces Innovate UK grant - Press Release
Causeway Therapeutics has been awarded a grant of £1.3m from Innovate UK to develop a promising new treatment for a common but costly musculoskeletal problem.
To treat tendinopathy in humans, Causeway has developed TenoMiR, which switches off disease pathways, restoring tendon function and structure.
The company will use this new grant to begin Phase 1 human trials for their new therapy for the treatment of tendinopathy in 24 patients early next year.
Dr Derek Gilchrist, Co-Founder and CEO of Causeway Therapeutics said , “We believe TenoMiR is a novel regenerative therapeutic, with the potential to transform the treatment of tendon disease. We’re very grateful to Innovate UK for the funding to hopefully make this possible.”
Mr Neal Millar, co-founder and Chief Medical Officer, added: “Tendinopathy represents a serious unmet clinical need, with one in three GP consultations in the UK being due to soft tissue tendon disease.
The trials will see the TenoMiR technology – a replacement therapy – locally injected into injured tendons, with the hope it will restore the tendon to ‘injury-free’ levels and fault-free tendon repair.
Causeway Therapeutics has been awarded a grant of £1.3m from Innovate UK to develop a promising new treatment for a common but costly musculoskeletal problem.
To treat tendinopathy in humans, Causeway has developed TenoMiR, which switches off disease pathways, restoring tendon function and structure.
The company will use this new grant to begin Phase 1 human trials for their new therapy for the treatment of tendinopathy in 24 patients early next year.
Dr Derek Gilchrist, Co-Founder and CEO of Causeway Therapeutics said , “We believe TenoMiR is a novel regenerative therapeutic, with the potential to transform the treatment of tendon disease. We’re very grateful to Innovate UK for the funding to hopefully make this possible.”
Mr Neal Millar, co-founder and Chief Medical Officer, added: “Tendinopathy represents a serious unmet clinical need, with one in three GP consultations in the UK being due to soft tissue tendon disease.
The trials will see the TenoMiR technology – a replacement therapy – locally injected into injured tendons, with the hope it will restore the tendon to ‘injury-free’ levels and fault-free tendon repair.
Feb 2018 - Causeway Founders Derek Gilchrist and Neal Millar meet Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon
Derek Gilchrist, our CEO shares his entrepreneurial journey, and the story of establishing Causeway Therapeutics.
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July 2017- Causeway move into our new home in the Clinical Innovation Zone at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.
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Press Release - 3rd August 2017 - Causeway announces seed investment
A University of Glasgow spinout which is developing a promising new treatment for tendon problems in humans and horses has received a £1m investment from Mediqventure and the Scottish Investment Bank, the investment arm of Scottish Enterprise.
Causeway Therapeutics develops therapies for tendon injuries and disorders, collectively known as tendinopathies. Tendinopathies are extremely common, accounting for between 30 and 50% of all sporting injuries. Around 1 in 10 people will be affected by tendinopathies in their lifetime, usually caused by repetitive strain or major trauma. Treatment for tendinopathies cost the NHS £250 million per year, often with unsatisfactory results for patients. The worldwide market for treatments is estimated at around £3.85bn.
While working in the laboratory of Professor Iain McInnes at the University of Glasgow’s Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, Causeway co-founders Dr Derek Gilchrist and Mr Neal Millar discovered that a single microRNA-miR29a plays a key role in regulating the production of collagens, the proteins that give tendons their strength. Replacement of Type I collagen with Type III collagen is characteristic of tendinopathy; loss of miR29a in human tendons drives an increase in Type III collagen production. Causeway’s lead product, TenoMiR™, is a replacement for the natural miR29a that is depleted in tendinopathy.
“We’re delighted that Causeway is receiving the backing of Mediqventures and SIB” said Dr Derek Gilchrist, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Causeway. “Translating our detailed understating of the molecular processes driving tendinopathy into a promising therapy has been a true multidisciplinary collaboration between scientists, surgeons and veterinarians in Glasgow and internationally.”
Neal Millar, co-founder and clinical senior research fellow in orthopaedics at the University of Glasgow, said: “We have applied high-level molecular interrogation to an under investigated yet highly prevalent and burdensome disease process. TenoMiR™ has the potential to transform the treatment of tendon injuries, getting patients back to normal quicker.”
“Our lead product is a completely novel approach to tendon disease.
"I am delighted to be associated again in a meaningful way with the University,” said Declan Doogan, a Partner at Mediqventures. Declan, an alumnus of the University of Glasgow and Visiting Professor at the Medical School will be joining Causeway’s board as Chairman.
Kerry Sharp, Head of Scottish Investment Bank, said: “ Scottish Enterprise, through the Scottish Investment Bank, is delighted to be co-investing with Mediqventures to help the company fully commercialise its technology. We have supported Causeway Therapeutics through our High Growth Ventures Programme to help with company formation, research and now investment to help it grow to the next stage. We look forward to working alongside Causeway to help it achieve its potential, both in Scotland and internationally.”
In addition to developing TenoMiR™ as a human therapeutic, Causeway is developing an analogous therapy for horses suffering tendinopathy. It is estimated that tendinopathy affects between 10 and 30% of competitive and working horses. At the moment the most common therapeutic option is a long period of box rest that only helps in 50% of cases. In addition to being a significant welfare issue for the horse, equine tendinopathy is a substantial financial and practical burden on the owners. Initial studies of EquiMiR™ in horses have shown significantly improved tendon healing when compared to untreated animals.
Professor Jon Cooper, VP Knowledge Exchange & Innovation at the University of Glasgow, said: “We are thrilled that Causeway Therapeutics has completed its investment round and that the company is now in a position to drive forward the development of this highly innovative therapeutic approach. This is another example of the University’s ability to convert research-led innovation into economic impact for the benefit of Glasgow and the Scottish economy.”
Dr Carol Clugston, Chief Operating Officer at the University of Glasgow College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences said: “We're delighted that Causeway Therapeutics has chosen the University of Glasgow's Clinical Innovation Zone at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital as the location for their exciting new company. The Clinical Innovation Zone comprises 22,000 sq ft of purpose built space to facilitate biomedical innovation, by bringing industry, academia and the NHS together to create a thriving new life sciences cluster. This will provide economic benefit for Glasgow by supporting the growth of new companies, together with benefits for patients through the development of new diagnostics and treatments. '
Jan 2016 - Causeway presence at European Animal Health Investment Forum, February 10-11, 2016 at the Royal Garden Hotel in London, UK.
Causeway have been selected to be one of the twelve emerging animal health companies who will be presenting our innovations to an audience of financial investors and big pharma representatives at the first and only European Animal Health Investment Forum, taking place February 10-11, 2016 at the Royal Garden Hotel in London, UK.
We will be joined by 100+ influencers and decision-makers from the animal health industry including companies such as Zoetis, MSD Animal Health, Merial, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bayer Animal Health as we discuss the big picture of animal health.
Nov 2015 - BIO-Europe® presence
BIO-Europe® is Europe's largest partnering conference serving the global biotechnology industry. The conference annually attracts leading dealmakers from biotech, pharma and finance along with the most exciting emerging companies. Causeway has attracted strong feedback on both technology and business development and is following up on many leads.
July 2015 - Causeway's Discovery Shortlisted for Inaugural Herald Higher Education Awards.
The Causeway team are delighted to be shortlisted for 'Research Project of the Year' in the Inaugural Herald Higher Education Awards.
http://herald-events.com/heawards/2015-shortlist/
June 2015 - Australian ABC Radio 'Health Report' features Causeway Discovery
Causeway CMO Neal Millar discussing tendinopathy and Causeway's microRNA therapy.
http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/healthreport/treating-tendinopathy-neal-millar/6495174
Apr 2015 - Global Media Coverage of Causeway Discovery
http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/13209736.Glasgow_scientists_trialling_potentially_breakthrough_treatment_for_tendon_injuries/
http://www.wimbledonclinics.co.uk/news/trial-evaluates-new-approach-to-treating-tendon-injurie/
http://www.tendonpain.org/new.shtml
http://zeenews.india.com/news/health/health-news/new-therapy-for-treatment-of-tendon-injuries_1578094.html
Apr 2015- Press Release Scientific breakthrough unlocks potential novel tendon therapy
Scientists are investigating a new therapy for the treatment of tendon injuries such as tennis elbow and Achilles tendinitis after gaining new insight into the condition. Tendon injuries (tendinopathies) are common, accounting for 30-50% of all sporting injuries, and are usually caused by repetitive strain or major trauma.While many people recover after a period of rest, a significant number of people do not because the structure of the tendon itself has permanently weakened. Healthy tendons, connecting muscles to bones, are primarily composed of type-1 collagen, a very strong material. When injured the body responds by producing the inferior type-3 collagen to quickly repair the damage. This type of collagen is not as strong as type-1 and is more prone to damage. Normally, over time, type 3 is replaced by the stronger type-1. However, in some people, repetitive damage means the body never replaces the weaker type-3 collagen, leaving them with inherently weaker tendons and long-term symptoms, such as pain and reduced mobility.
Scientists at the University of Glasgow are trialing a new therapy (TenoMiR™) for treating tendinopathy after being awarded a High Growth Spinout grant from Scottish Enterprise. The trial will use injections of microRNA – small molecules that help regulate gene expression – into the tendon to ‘dial-down’ the production of type 3 collagen and switch to type-1.
The Glasgow team have already been successful in making the switch in cultured cells in the lab and in mice. They will now work with international collaborators to trial the treatment on horses, which also frequently suffer tendon injuries, particularly in racing.Following this trial, the team intends to commercialise the treatments through a spin-out company called Causeway Therapeutics focusing on bringing safe and effective medicines to human and veterinary markets.
Neal Millar, an academic consultant orthopaedic surgeon and clinical senior research fellow at the University of Glasgow, said: “Tendinopathy is essentially the result of an imbalance between collagen type-1 and type-3 and we have discovered the molecular cause. This breakthrough has allowed us to find a way to alter the levels of collagen type-3 in tendons, with the ultimate aim to get patients with tendon injuries better quicker."
Co–investigator and senior molecular biologist Dr Derek Gilchrist commented that: “Our studies have revealed the previously unrecognised ability of a single microRNA to cross-regulate important functions in the early biological processes that lead to tissue repair.”
Results of the previous studies by the team, which also includes Professor Iain McInnes, Director of the Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation within the University are published in Nature Communications and reveal the role of the microRNA 29a in tendon tissue repair.
The scientists found that a single microRNA - miR-29a – through its interaction with a protein, interleukin 33, plays a key role in regulating the production of collagens in tendon disease. Loss of miR29a from human tendons results in an increase in collagen type-3 production; a key feature of tendon disease. Replacement of miR-29a in damaged tendon cells in the laboratory restores collagen production to pre injury levels. The research was supported by the Scottish Funding Council, Wellcome Trust and the Academy of Medical Sciences.
A University of Glasgow spinout which is developing a promising new treatment for tendon problems in humans and horses has received a £1m investment from Mediqventure and the Scottish Investment Bank, the investment arm of Scottish Enterprise.
Causeway Therapeutics develops therapies for tendon injuries and disorders, collectively known as tendinopathies. Tendinopathies are extremely common, accounting for between 30 and 50% of all sporting injuries. Around 1 in 10 people will be affected by tendinopathies in their lifetime, usually caused by repetitive strain or major trauma. Treatment for tendinopathies cost the NHS £250 million per year, often with unsatisfactory results for patients. The worldwide market for treatments is estimated at around £3.85bn.
While working in the laboratory of Professor Iain McInnes at the University of Glasgow’s Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, Causeway co-founders Dr Derek Gilchrist and Mr Neal Millar discovered that a single microRNA-miR29a plays a key role in regulating the production of collagens, the proteins that give tendons their strength. Replacement of Type I collagen with Type III collagen is characteristic of tendinopathy; loss of miR29a in human tendons drives an increase in Type III collagen production. Causeway’s lead product, TenoMiR™, is a replacement for the natural miR29a that is depleted in tendinopathy.
“We’re delighted that Causeway is receiving the backing of Mediqventures and SIB” said Dr Derek Gilchrist, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Causeway. “Translating our detailed understating of the molecular processes driving tendinopathy into a promising therapy has been a true multidisciplinary collaboration between scientists, surgeons and veterinarians in Glasgow and internationally.”
Neal Millar, co-founder and clinical senior research fellow in orthopaedics at the University of Glasgow, said: “We have applied high-level molecular interrogation to an under investigated yet highly prevalent and burdensome disease process. TenoMiR™ has the potential to transform the treatment of tendon injuries, getting patients back to normal quicker.”
“Our lead product is a completely novel approach to tendon disease.
"I am delighted to be associated again in a meaningful way with the University,” said Declan Doogan, a Partner at Mediqventures. Declan, an alumnus of the University of Glasgow and Visiting Professor at the Medical School will be joining Causeway’s board as Chairman.
Kerry Sharp, Head of Scottish Investment Bank, said: “ Scottish Enterprise, through the Scottish Investment Bank, is delighted to be co-investing with Mediqventures to help the company fully commercialise its technology. We have supported Causeway Therapeutics through our High Growth Ventures Programme to help with company formation, research and now investment to help it grow to the next stage. We look forward to working alongside Causeway to help it achieve its potential, both in Scotland and internationally.”
In addition to developing TenoMiR™ as a human therapeutic, Causeway is developing an analogous therapy for horses suffering tendinopathy. It is estimated that tendinopathy affects between 10 and 30% of competitive and working horses. At the moment the most common therapeutic option is a long period of box rest that only helps in 50% of cases. In addition to being a significant welfare issue for the horse, equine tendinopathy is a substantial financial and practical burden on the owners. Initial studies of EquiMiR™ in horses have shown significantly improved tendon healing when compared to untreated animals.
Professor Jon Cooper, VP Knowledge Exchange & Innovation at the University of Glasgow, said: “We are thrilled that Causeway Therapeutics has completed its investment round and that the company is now in a position to drive forward the development of this highly innovative therapeutic approach. This is another example of the University’s ability to convert research-led innovation into economic impact for the benefit of Glasgow and the Scottish economy.”
Dr Carol Clugston, Chief Operating Officer at the University of Glasgow College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences said: “We're delighted that Causeway Therapeutics has chosen the University of Glasgow's Clinical Innovation Zone at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital as the location for their exciting new company. The Clinical Innovation Zone comprises 22,000 sq ft of purpose built space to facilitate biomedical innovation, by bringing industry, academia and the NHS together to create a thriving new life sciences cluster. This will provide economic benefit for Glasgow by supporting the growth of new companies, together with benefits for patients through the development of new diagnostics and treatments. '
Jan 2016 - Causeway presence at European Animal Health Investment Forum, February 10-11, 2016 at the Royal Garden Hotel in London, UK.
Causeway have been selected to be one of the twelve emerging animal health companies who will be presenting our innovations to an audience of financial investors and big pharma representatives at the first and only European Animal Health Investment Forum, taking place February 10-11, 2016 at the Royal Garden Hotel in London, UK.
We will be joined by 100+ influencers and decision-makers from the animal health industry including companies such as Zoetis, MSD Animal Health, Merial, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bayer Animal Health as we discuss the big picture of animal health.
Nov 2015 - BIO-Europe® presence
BIO-Europe® is Europe's largest partnering conference serving the global biotechnology industry. The conference annually attracts leading dealmakers from biotech, pharma and finance along with the most exciting emerging companies. Causeway has attracted strong feedback on both technology and business development and is following up on many leads.
July 2015 - Causeway's Discovery Shortlisted for Inaugural Herald Higher Education Awards.
The Causeway team are delighted to be shortlisted for 'Research Project of the Year' in the Inaugural Herald Higher Education Awards.
http://herald-events.com/heawards/2015-shortlist/
June 2015 - Australian ABC Radio 'Health Report' features Causeway Discovery
Causeway CMO Neal Millar discussing tendinopathy and Causeway's microRNA therapy.
http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/healthreport/treating-tendinopathy-neal-millar/6495174
Apr 2015 - Global Media Coverage of Causeway Discovery
http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/13209736.Glasgow_scientists_trialling_potentially_breakthrough_treatment_for_tendon_injuries/
http://www.wimbledonclinics.co.uk/news/trial-evaluates-new-approach-to-treating-tendon-injurie/
http://www.tendonpain.org/new.shtml
http://zeenews.india.com/news/health/health-news/new-therapy-for-treatment-of-tendon-injuries_1578094.html
Apr 2015- Press Release Scientific breakthrough unlocks potential novel tendon therapy
Scientists are investigating a new therapy for the treatment of tendon injuries such as tennis elbow and Achilles tendinitis after gaining new insight into the condition. Tendon injuries (tendinopathies) are common, accounting for 30-50% of all sporting injuries, and are usually caused by repetitive strain or major trauma.While many people recover after a period of rest, a significant number of people do not because the structure of the tendon itself has permanently weakened. Healthy tendons, connecting muscles to bones, are primarily composed of type-1 collagen, a very strong material. When injured the body responds by producing the inferior type-3 collagen to quickly repair the damage. This type of collagen is not as strong as type-1 and is more prone to damage. Normally, over time, type 3 is replaced by the stronger type-1. However, in some people, repetitive damage means the body never replaces the weaker type-3 collagen, leaving them with inherently weaker tendons and long-term symptoms, such as pain and reduced mobility.
Scientists at the University of Glasgow are trialing a new therapy (TenoMiR™) for treating tendinopathy after being awarded a High Growth Spinout grant from Scottish Enterprise. The trial will use injections of microRNA – small molecules that help regulate gene expression – into the tendon to ‘dial-down’ the production of type 3 collagen and switch to type-1.
The Glasgow team have already been successful in making the switch in cultured cells in the lab and in mice. They will now work with international collaborators to trial the treatment on horses, which also frequently suffer tendon injuries, particularly in racing.Following this trial, the team intends to commercialise the treatments through a spin-out company called Causeway Therapeutics focusing on bringing safe and effective medicines to human and veterinary markets.
Neal Millar, an academic consultant orthopaedic surgeon and clinical senior research fellow at the University of Glasgow, said: “Tendinopathy is essentially the result of an imbalance between collagen type-1 and type-3 and we have discovered the molecular cause. This breakthrough has allowed us to find a way to alter the levels of collagen type-3 in tendons, with the ultimate aim to get patients with tendon injuries better quicker."
Co–investigator and senior molecular biologist Dr Derek Gilchrist commented that: “Our studies have revealed the previously unrecognised ability of a single microRNA to cross-regulate important functions in the early biological processes that lead to tissue repair.”
Results of the previous studies by the team, which also includes Professor Iain McInnes, Director of the Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation within the University are published in Nature Communications and reveal the role of the microRNA 29a in tendon tissue repair.
The scientists found that a single microRNA - miR-29a – through its interaction with a protein, interleukin 33, plays a key role in regulating the production of collagens in tendon disease. Loss of miR29a from human tendons results in an increase in collagen type-3 production; a key feature of tendon disease. Replacement of miR-29a in damaged tendon cells in the laboratory restores collagen production to pre injury levels. The research was supported by the Scottish Funding Council, Wellcome Trust and the Academy of Medical Sciences.
