Econic Biosciences is pioneering new ways to eradicate cancer by targeting a largely unexplored oncogenic driver.
Extrachromosomal DNA is a little-known but widespread driver of oncogenic DNA amplification, which contributes to cancer’s evolution in unprecedented ways. Econic Biosciences is building on novel mechanistic insights to develop specific approaches to therapeutically target ecDNA with the goal of improving treatment for individuals with cancer.
is a type of circular DNA that is present in the nucleus, but apart from the chromosomes. These DNA rings can replicate, segregate and undergo transcription in ways that are distinct from normal chromosomes. Recent work by Econic Biosciences founders and others determined that ecDNA is a mediator of oncogenic … gene amplification and a potent driver of tumor evolution and heterogeneity, ultimately leading to treatment-resistant cancers with poor clinical outcomes. Targeting ecDNA creates an opportunity to develop new cancer-specific therapies.
to treat cancer
ecDNA is one of the most prevalent causes of oncogene amplification, and therapies targeting ecDNA have the potential to impact one third of all cancer patients, across diagnoses …. By identifying key molecular pathways that drive ecDNA genesis, replication, segregation or maintenance we can target the root cause of this oncogenic dysregulation. Our world-class scientific founders are at the cutting edge of ecDNA biology, from basic mechanistic insights to clinical oncology and therapeutic target discovery, making breakthrough discoveries that are pushing the field forward.
We are uniquely positioned to identify specific ecDNA pathways and develop innovative treatments in leading-edge cancer biology. We have proven computational and analytical tools for identifying and validating novel therapeutic targets …. We have access to premier clinical resources, a team with significant expertise of turning science into medicine and a scientific focus with a clear path to the clinic.
A new class
of cancer therapy
begins with
ecDNA.
Two therapeutic platforms translate ecDNA vulnerabilities into selective treatments
Protein amplified on ecDNAecDNA-specific Targets
Surface Protein amplified on ecDNAecDNA-specific Targets
Our Team
of experts
Professor Anton Henssen is a peadiatric oncologist who leads the paediatric oncology preclinical research program at the Charité University Hospital and heads a research group at the Experimental and Clinical Research Center of the Max Delbrück Center in Berlin. His research group that has transformed our understanding of how extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) contributes to genome remodeling in childhood cancers.
Rodger is a serial entrepreneur, long-time pharmaceutical and biotechnology senior executive with more than 20 years of experience. In 2013 he co-founded CRISPR Therapeutics, led the team that IPO’d the company in 2016 and served CRISPR as CEO until December 2017.
Dr Weronika Fic is Associate Director of Discovery Programmes at Econicbio, overseeing projects from target identification through to development candidate nomination. She joined from BenevolentAI and is committed to building high-performing, collaborative teams. Weronika completed her PhD at the University of Montpellier and postdoctoral research at the University of Cambridge, focusing on cell biology and oncology.
Dr Qian Gao is a Senior Principal Scientist in Econicbio’s Computational Genomics team, where she leads computational strategy from target discovery through hit-to-lead, owns organisation-wide scientific data governance, and mentors early-career scientists. Qian has over 10 years’ experience applying bioinformatics and machine learning to immunology and neurodegeneration in biotech. She holds a PhD in Computing Science (Systems Biology).
Elena Hartley is a Research Associate in the Screening & Chemical Biology team at EconicBio, where she supports cell culture, assay development and laboratory operations across the research programmes. She holds an Integrated Master's degree in Pharmacology from the University of Bristol.
Pete Johnson is Senior Director, Head of Medicinal Chemistry, guiding Econic's research from concept to candidate. Before Econicbio, they spent 18 years in drug discovery at Summit Therapeutics and Evotec SE, advancing four programmes into the clinic. Pete holds a DPhil in chemistry from the University of Oxford.
Victoria Keeble is a Scientist in the Screening & Chemical Biology team, where she conducts in vitro mechanistic studies and high-throughput screening assays. Before Econicbio, she worked at Pfizer UK on small-molecule antivirals. Victoria holds a BSc in Biochemistry from Cardiff University.
Dr Swati Keshri is a Scientist in the Discovery Biology team, where she identifies and validates targets using genetic and pharmacological methods and builds in vitro packages that guide in vivo studies. She joined Econic after a PhD in medical genetics at the University of Cambridge. Swati has a particular interest in building project cascades for different modalities, from assay development to mode-of-action studies.
Dr. Fanis Michailidis is a Senior Scientist and target lead in Econic’s early discovery team. Before joining Econic, he completed his PhD in molecular genetics at University College London, carrying out his research at the Francis Crick Institute.
Dr Tony Ocasio is a Principal Scientist in Econic’s Screening and Chemical Biology team, where he leads screening and in vitro pharmacology within one of the company’s core platforms. He brings over 20 years of drug discovery and cancer chemical biology experience from the Francis Crick Institute and Engitix, following PhD, postdoctoral and independent research at the University of Sussex, Stanford University and UCSF. Tony also mentors early-career scientists across R&D.
Sunil Pancholi is Senior Manager of Scientific Operations, overseeing Econicbio's laboratory operations, facilities, procurement, IT systems and health and safety, and works closely with R&D to plan for future growth. Sunil previously ran laboratory operations at iosBio and the Institute of Cancer Research and started their career as a postdoctoral scientist in cancer biology. Sunil holds a PhD from the University of Manchester.
Dr Beth Pennycook is a Principal Scientist in the Early Discovery team, where they are the scientific lead for our target discovery platform. Beth brings over ten years of experience in cell biology from Imperial College London. They also mentor early-career scientists across R&D.
Deimante Radlinskaite has been People & Operations Manager and PA at Econicbio for over two years, supporting the C-suite, leading people operations from onboarding to performance and development, and running the office. Before this, Deimante spent seven years in PA, office management and HR roles across investment management and executive recruitment. She is a trained Mental Health First Aider.
Dr Fabrizio Simeoni is a Principal Scientist in the Discovery Biology team, project lead for one of Econicbio’s preclinical programmes, and a mentor to early-career scientists across R&D. Fabrizio brings ten years of experience in oncology from the Francis Crick and Cancer Research UK Manchester Institutes. He holds a PhD in Molecular Medicine from the University of Manchester.
Josie Stevens, VP Finance & Company Secretary is a highly motivated finance leader with over 25 years’ experience working at a senior level in Biotech and Technology companies. She has over 15 years of VC and private equity experience with expertise gained within growth/start-up businesses encompassing all aspects of finance and company secretarial duties including: leadership, delivering growth strategy, asset acquisition, fundraising, investor relations, cash flow optimisation, systems and processes.