Scottish biotechnology company PhaSER Biomedical has received renewed funding from the Gates Foundation to accelerate the development of treatments for neglected infectious diseases using humanised research models and advanced computational technologies.
Dundee-based PhaSER Biomedical has been awarded a further $2.7 million (£2 million) over two years by the Gates Foundation, extending its involvement in the Global Health Discovery Collaboratory.
The funding follows an initial $2.3 million award in 2024 and will enable researchers worldwide to access PhaSER's specialist expertise and its 8HUM humanised mouse model, designed to provide more clinically relevant information about how drugs are metabolised and eliminated from the body.
Developed through research involving the University of Dundee and industry partners, the 8HUM platform helps scientists overcome differences between human and conventional mouse drug metabolism. This can support more informed decisions during preclinical development, potentially reducing the risk of promising treatments failing during later clinical trials.
During the initial funding period, the technology was applied to research programmes targeting tuberculosis, malaria, schistosomiasis and Chagas disease, helping investigators assess potential treatments and prioritise drug candidates.
PhaSER is also developing HERALD, an AI-supported computational platform designed to analyse drug interactions and improve understanding of risks associated with patients taking multiple medications. The project involves collaboration with the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the University of Dundee.
Alongside its research activities, the company is expanding its expertise in artificial intelligence and computational modelling. It has appointed Exscientia co-founder Richard Bickerton as a non-executive director and is engaging with potential investors to support further growth.
The renewed funding will allow PhaSER to strengthen international research partnerships and expand the use of human-relevant drug metabolism data, supporting the development of safer and more effective treatments for infectious diseases affecting vulnerable populations worldwide.
