MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology hands Constructive Bio a game-changer for next-gen tech roll-out
A spinout of MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), Constructive Bio is re-engineering human biology by reprogramming the genetic code of living cells to construct programmable biomolecules.
Acknowledged as a leader in synthetic biology and genome recoding, Constructive Bio says the ‘tRNA Display’ technology revolutionises protein engineering by enabling the integration of new-to-nature building blocks (non-canonical amino acids) into peptides and proteins.
tRNA Display technology allows the rapid and accurate selection of enzymes (tRNA synthetases) that are critical for the seamless integration of non-canonical amino acids into proteins and peptides. It can be used to discover enzymes capable of incorporating novel monomers, as well as enzymes that significantly enhance manufacturing yields. This allows the creation of new therapeutics with enhanced properties at scale and speed.
Constructive Bio says it will deploy this transformative technology to accelerate the development and scalable biomanufacturing of cutting edge therapeutics such as precision-targeted medicines. The commercial potential extends beyond medicine development and discovery, with future applications in agriculture and hi-tech materials, offering bio-based alternatives to traditional manufacturing processes.
“This platform is a game-changer,” said Ola Wlodek, CEO of Constructive Bio. “We are developing a faster and more effective engineering framework for biology itself – systematically transforming how we design functional biomolecules from the very start.
“The tRNA Display technology is a robust and scalable tool that unlocks the vast potential of biology, enabling the creation of novel therapeutic proteins and peptides with unprecedented possibilities and new-to-nature features.”
Innovations from the MRC such as tRNA Display technology have been instrumental in driving the UK's economic growth. MRC-funded research has led to spin-out companies valued at over £6.1 billion, creating more than 3,800 jobs and drawing in £10.2 billion of external investment.
Professor Jason Chin, Chief Scientific Officer of Constructive Bio, said: “tRNA display overcomes a massive barrier in protein engineering by enabling the rapid selection and integration of new-to-nature building blocks into proteins and peptides.
“This advance was made possible by exceptional and innovative scientists and long terms support at the LMB. This development unlocks unprecedented possibilities in drug discovery and development by expanding the chemical scope of the genetic code.”
Dr Jan Löwe, Director of the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), said: "At the LMB we are extremely proud to have supported Jason’s ground-breaking research in artificial biology. Being able to make biology-inspired molecules with new chemistries is an important milestone and the new work makes this much easier. Transferring the knowledge to Constructive Bio, one of the LMB’s spin-out companies, will enable maximum societal benefits, as soon as possible."
Today’s announcement marks another significant milestone during an exciting period of rapid growth for Constructive Bio, following its successful Series A funding round of $58 million and the addition of Nobel laureate Sir Greg Winter to its board of directors.