Dr Herbert and Prof Barlow have formed Invizius, a company whose factor H-based product ‘H-guard’ will reduce the chronic inflammation that contributes to increased morbidity amongst patients receiving dialysis. Factor H, a 155-kDa protein that regulates the complement cascade, allowed rational design of inhibitors of the complement system. Invizius is currently funded (£600k) by the Scottish Enterprise High Growth Spinout Programme.

NMR-derived structural analysis, conducted in Edinburgh over 20 years supported by Wellcome and BBSRC, has underpinned the foundation of Gemini Therapeutics. This is a new company based in Boston, MA and developing precision therapeutics for eye diseases. Since 2015 Gemini has raised $46M of seed and series-A funding based primarily on technology and IP developed in Edinburgh. Gemini will attempt to establish these in the clinic for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration.