#United Kingdom #Oxford #GSK #Ochre Bio #Human Liver Genomics

Ochre Bio's Advancements in Liver Research

Overview of the Collaboration

Ochre Bio, a notable player in biotechnological innovations focused on RNA therapeutics for chronic liver diseases, has recently made headlines with the completion of a pivotal phase in its partnership with GSK. This collaboration has culminated in the generation of two substantial datasets that promise to significantly advance our understanding of human liver functions and diseases.

What the Datasets Entail

The datasets developed through this partnership comprise:
1. Functional Genomics Dataset: This dataset encompasses a large-scale analysis from primary human hepatocytes. Researchers systematically knocked down all known hepatocyte genes from various donors and employed RNA sequencing to analyze the downstream effects. This comprehensive approach allows for nuanced insights into gene functions specific to liver health and disease.
2. Single-cell Dataset: The second dataset is derived from perfused human donor livers and captures gene expression profiles from diverse liver cell types across multiple donors. This granular data is vital for deciphering the complexity of liver cell interactions and their roles in chronic liver conditions.

Transitioning to Development Phase

With the research phase now complete, the collaboration is set to advance into a multi-year co-exclusive licensing agreement. This new phase will enable both Ochre Bio and GSK to use the proprietary human liver data created by Ochre to expedite the discovery and development processes for new liver disease treatments. The partnership reflects a unified vision—leveraging large-scale datasets to fight against under-treated chronic liver conditions.

Integrating Technology with Research

At the helm of this endeavor is Ochre's proprietary OBELiX software, which integrates these diverse datasets with exclusive disease atlases. This integration enables a powerful analysis path, mapping gene functions causally to proprietary disease signatures across various biological pathways and cell types. By delineating the contributions of different liver cell populations to disease progression, this collaboration lays down essential groundwork for training AI models aimed at identifying potential therapeutic targets.

Statements from Leadership

Quin Wills, founder and CEO of Ochre Bio, expressed the urgency of constructing extensive human datasets, stating, "To develop therapies that truly impact the lives of liver patients, we cannot compromise on building large-scale human datasets that allow for a causal exploration of disease complexities."

In addition, Kaivan Khavandi, the Senior VP at GSK, underscored the value of the generated data, noting, "Our collaboration with Ochre has created insights that enhance our understanding of human biology and disease. This data is instrumental in powering our efforts to discover new medicines for the liver conditions affecting many patients today."

About Ochre Bio

Founded in Oxford, UK, Ochre Bio operates at the intersection of biotechnology and advanced data analytics, developing groundbreaking RNA medications for chronic liver diseases. The company's cutting-edge discovery platform combines machine learning techniques, extensive human data, and innovative RNA chemistry, offering a robust foundation for transformative medical solutions. Ochre also maintains research facilities in both New York and Taipei.

Conclusion

The successful culmination of this collaboration marks a significant leap forward in the realm of liver disease research, paving the way for future innovations. By harnessing the power of genetic data and combining it with advanced analytical tools, Ochre Bio and GSK are poised to make impactful contributions to liver health and potentially save countless lives.