Inaphaea BioLabs, the translational contract research organisation (CRO) of ValiRx Plc, is accelerating precision oncology research through a series of strategic collaborations, expanded patient-derived cancer models, and enhanced digital drug discovery capabilities. The initiatives aim to streamline drug development, support personalised medicine, and provide predictive insights for cancers with high unmet clinical need.

Under Mark Eccleston, CEO of ValiRx, both ValiRx and Inaphaea have transformed operational structures, improving asset deployment and delivering cost efficiencies. Inaphaea is now positioning itself as a global hub for translational oncology, combining patient-derived models, 3D tumour analytics, and in-silico platforms to accelerate drug discovery.

Global expansion of PredictRx platform with Dominion Biotech

Inaphaea has signed an exclusive licence agreement with Dominion Biotech Ltd for its PredictRx personalised cancer screening service. Using patient-derived cells (PDCs), the platform identifies optimal drug combinations for cancer patients, offering a significant step forward in precision oncology. Inaphaea will receive 50% of global net revenues and co-own new PDCs developed under the programme. Dominion has started commercialisation, with first revenues expected in Q4 2025.

Accelerating kinase-targeting drug discovery with Stingray Bio

Inaphaea has launched a 12-month collaboration with Stingray Bio Limited to optimise kinase-targeting oncology candidates. The project leverages Inaphaea’s New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), combining in-silico optimisation with in-vitro PDC assays, accelerating drug discovery while reducing animal testing.

Enhancing 3D tumour model analysis with The Open University

Through a Knowledge Transfer Voucher (KTV), Inaphaea will apply advanced imaging and machine learning to 3D tumour models. The project, running until September 2026, targets predictive tools for drug testing in triple-negative breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers.

Supporting prostate cancer therapeutics with Blue Ribbon Bio

Inaphaea is providing translational support to Blue Ribbon Bio Ltd, a ValiRx subsidiary developing next-generation Val201 therapeutic peptides to overcome hormone therapy resistance. The CRO contributes patient-derived prostate cancer models, 3D culture systems, and preclinical testing expertise.

Digitising patient-derived cancer models with TwinEdge Bioscience

In collaboration with Swiss company TwinEdge Bioscience, Inaphaea is converting PDCs into digital patient avatars. These virtual models enable in-silico drug testing, biomarker discovery, patient stratification, and accelerated clinical trial planning.

Expanding cancer model pipelines and drug screening

New agreements with Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and Cellomatics Ltd have expanded Inaphaea’s PDC library, including ovarian, breast, lung, leukemia, colorectal, and prostate cancers. The 3K Screen Programme, in partnership with Dominion, has identified roughly 250 drug repositioning candidates, with a top panel of 10 molecules advancing to detailed testing and integration into TwinEdge’s digital twin platform.

Mark Eccleston, CEO of ValiRx, said: “Inaphaea BioLabs has made tremendous progress in the last few months, building partnerships, expanding capabilities, and advancing both service provision and in-house programmes.

“From our PredictRx collaboration with Dominion to our digital patient avatar project with TwinEdge, we are combining the power of patient-derived models, advanced analytics, and AI-driven insights to accelerate translational drug development. These initiatives demonstrate the strength of our hybrid business model, enabling us to generate near-term revenue, build long-term value, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.”