Biomodal (previously Cambridge Epigenetix) is a life sciences tools and analytics company, founded in 2012, by Professor Sir Shankar Balasubramanian FRS and Dr. Bobby Yerramilli-Rao. Biomodal is seeking to revolutionize genome sequencing through a proprietary technology platform that has the potential to deliver step changes in both the type of information that can be generated from DNA and the cost at which it is gathered.  This is bringing closer the day when advanced medicines, diagnostics and personalized treatments become a reality for all

The biomodal platform, extends the information content of sequencing by unambiguously identifying five letters of DNA – four genetic bases (A-T-C-G) plus methylated cytosine (5mC or 5hmC).  This information is captured at single base resolution from very small amounts of DNA, and with an accuracy that exceeds other known methods.  This approach can significantly reduce sequencing costs whilst preserving complexity, facilitating rapid and lower cost data analysis.

Epigenetic marks are a vital source of biological information to enable the next generation of diagnostics including those for early cancer detection.  The laboratory component of biomodal’s product is already in manufacture and kits, with associated software, are expected to be available in early 2022.  This will be followed by the launch of additional multiomic products from this platform, the next being a 6-letter kit’ (adding the epigenetic marker hydroxymethylcytosine). Biomodal is developing further technology platforms supported by their extensive IP portfolio.

In late 2021, the JIMCO Life Sciences Fund participated in biomodal’s US$ 88 million Series D funding round (previously Cambridge Epigenetix).