Technological Innovation Accelerating Modern Drug Development
Pioneering next-generation solutions for mitochondrial therapeutic development.
The Mitochondria
Mitochondria are the engines of human biology. Beyond producing the energy that powers every cell, they play essential roles in metabolism, cellular signalling, immune function, and the regulation of cell survival. When mitochondrial function is disrupted, the consequences extend across multiple organ systems and are implicated in a growing number of diseases.
Advancing Discovery
Despite their central role in human physiology, the development of mitochondrial therapeutics remains one of the most complex challenges in biomedical research. Progress requires innovative approaches that can overcome longstanding scientific and technical barriers while enabling deeper insights into mitochondrial biology and disease.
About Us
We are advancing the field through technological innovation. We develop next-generation platforms and enabling technologies that accelerate mitochondrial therapeutic discovery and development. By combining cutting-edge science with engineering and translational expertise, we empower researchers and drug developers to better understand mitochondrial function, identify novel therapeutic opportunities, and bring transformative medicines closer to patients.
Our Technologies Driving Discovery
Next-generation platforms that enable smarter drug discovery, deeper biological insight, and earlier prediction of mitochondrial toxicity.
Reddan, B., Shahen, R., Radi, R., McCalmont, M., Green, O. and Cummins, E.P., 2026. Activity-based CO2 sensing using CarboSenR2 provides new insights into cellular metabolism. Redox Biology, p.104067.
Green, O., Finkelstein, P., Rivero-Crespo, M.A., Lutz, M.D., Bogdos, M.K., Burger, M., Leroux, J.C. and Morandi, B., 2022. Activity-based approach for selective molecular CO2 sensing. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 144(19), pp.8717-8724.
Mitochondrial Function. Critical Insight for Drug Discovery.
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Mitochondria play a central role in cellular energy production, metabolic regulation and cell survival. Drug-induced mitochondrial dysfunction has been associated with adverse effects, drug withdrawals and attrition during drug development.
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Almost half of FDA black-box warnings have been associated with mitochondrial effects
(Hoogstraten, C.A., Lyon, J.J., Smeitink, J.A., Russel, F.G. and Schirris, T.J., 2023. Time to change: a systems pharmacology approach to disentangle mechanisms of drug-induced mitochondrial toxicity. Pharmacological Reviews, 75(3), pp.463-486.).
A 2023 review highlighted the association between mitochondrial effects and almost half of FDA black-box warnings, underlining the importance of understanding mitochondrial liabilities during drug development.
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A study evaluating 228 pharmaceutical compounds demonstrated that the performance of in-vitro mitochondrial toxicity assays can vary considerably depending on the organ-specific toxicity endpoint being investigated.
(Rana, P., leo, M.D., Gosink, M. and Will, Y., 2019. Evaluation of in vitro mitochondrial toxicity assays and physicochemical properties for prediction of organ toxicity using 228 pharmaceutical drugs. Chemical research in toxicology, 32(1), pp.156-167.)
Reported assay sensitivities differed for liver, cardiac and kidney toxicity, highlighting the complexity of identifying drug-induced mitochondrial liabilities.
Mitochondrial toxicity is multifaceted. Combining complementary functional assays can help researchers investigate compound-induced effects, characterise potential liabilities and build a more comprehensive picture of mitochondrial dysfunction.
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A compound may alter mitochondrial metabolism before overt loss of cell viability becomes apparent. Combining complementary functional readouts can help researchers investigate these changes and build a more complete picture of compound effects.
Get in Touch
Whether you have a question, an idea, or just want to say hello, feel free to reach out—we’re here to help.