UK-based biotech startup ImmuONE is determined to provide more accurate and ethical alternatives to traditional drug testing methods. Around 90% of drugs that show promise in animal testing fail in human trials, leading to costly failures in drug development.
ImmuONE has raised an additional £600,000 from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund, Mercia Ventures, and Pioneer Group, bringing its total funding to £3.5 million. This latest investment will enhance ImmuONE’s laboratory capabilities, expand its reach into new sectors like agriculture and automotive, and support team growth by hiring two additional scientists.
Advancing Ethical Drug Testing Alternatives
“Our mission is to help companies move away from animal testing and provide more reliable, human-relevant results,” says Dr. Abigail Martin, CEO of ImmuONE. “This funding allows us to expand our range of tests and push for industry-wide adoption of animal-free testing.”
Founded in 2019 by Dr. Martin and Professor Victoria Hutter, ImmuONE spun out from the University of Hertfordshire. The company was born from Dr. Martin’s PhD research, which identified a need for 3D cell model platforms in lung toxicology. Since its inception, ImmuONE has gained traction in pharmaceuticals, chemicals, consumer products, and energy sectors.
How ImmuONE’s Technology Works
ImmuONE’s 3D human lung model replicates the lower lung tissue and immune cells, offering an advanced alternative to animal testing and invasive human tissue sampling. Unlike conventional methods that only analyze epithelial cells, ImmuONE integrates alveolar macrophages, key components in lung immune response, to provide a more holistic assessment of drug safety.
Dr. Martin explains: “Our technology is the only laboratory model that prioritizes immune cells from the start, enabling more accurate and early detection of immune responses to substances. This ensures companies can predict human reactions with greater precision.”
The startup offers both products and services, including ImmuPHAGE™ and ImmuLUNG™, allowing businesses to conduct in-house tests or outsource analysis. Advanced techniques such as cell painting and high-content imaging assays provide deeper insights into cellular responses.
Expanding Market Presence
Since securing a £2 million investment in 2023, ImmuONE has expanded its operations to Milton Keynes and Stevenage, upgraded its laboratory equipment, and broadened its immunology testing services. The company is attracting blue-chip clients in the pharmaceutical and chemical sectors, further cementing its reputation as a leader in human-relevant toxicology.
Dr. Martin emphasizes the urgency of innovation: “Many of our clients face pressure to bring new products to market quickly while ensuring they meet rigorous safety and regulatory standards. Our solutions provide the necessary evidence without relying on animal models.”
Pioneering the Future of Drug Testing
As personalized medicine and regulatory shifts drive demand for more accurate preclinical models, ImmuONE is poised for rapid growth. The company plans to expand its presence in the UK, EU, US, and Japan, with a strong focus on AI-driven analysis and machine learning to further enhance testing capabilities.
Keira Shepperson, Investment Director at British Business Bank, states: “We are proud to support innovative businesses like ImmuONE that are pushing the boundaries of drug safety testing. This latest investment will allow the company to scale its impact even further.”
David Baker of Mercia Ventures adds: “With growing international momentum to eliminate animal testing, ImmuONE is leading the charge in developing reliable and accurate human lung models.”
Glenn Crocker of Pioneer Group concludes: “ImmuONE’s ability to attract top-tier industry clients speaks to the quality and importance of its work. We are excited to continue supporting their journey.”
With cutting-edge technology and a mission-driven approach, ImmuONE is shaping the future of biomedical research, providing a more ethical, accurate, and efficient alternative to traditional drug testing methods.
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