In this episode of Raising Biotech, host Surani Fernando sits down with Jack O’Meara, co-founder of Ochre Bio, and Dr. Scott Friedman, Chief of the Division of Liver Diseases at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. They discuss Ochre Bio’s journey, from its origins and early fundraising efforts to the development of its pioneering “liver ICU” platform designed to transform liver disease research.
The origins of Ochre Bio date back to Jack O’Meara’s collaboration with co-founder Quin Wills in Oxford. They aimed to tackle the growing global issue of liver disease by using human organs instead of animal models. Despite their solid research connections in the UK, they encountered challenges securing investment, as the European biotech funding landscape proved less receptive to their novel concept. Recognizing that U.S. investors might be more open to risk, the team relocated to California, where they found greater support.
With new funding secured, Ochre Bio turned its focus to the “liver ICU” platform. This innovative system keeps human organs alive outside the body, enabling the study of liver diseases in real-time and offering a more precise alternative to traditional animal models. By utilizing donor livers that are unsuitable for transplantation, the company can better understand disease mechanisms and test therapies with direct human relevance.
Dr. Friedman highlights the significant potential of this technology, noting its capacity to provide human-centered data that could lead to more effective treatments. He also discusses the use of small interfering RNA (siRNA) for gene therapy, emphasizing how Ochre Bio integrates proven methods with novel approaches to address genetic causes of liver disease. This strategy supports a broad exploration of therapeutic pathways while reducing risks.
Ochre Bio has ambitious plans for its future. After raising $30 million in Series A funding in 2022, the company is progressing towards its first clinical candidate. The team is also actively exploring partnerships with larger pharmaceutical firms to further its preclinical and clinical programs. While Dr. Friedman sees great promise in Ochre Bio’s approach, he points out the complexities ahead, particularly in verifying the impact of their chosen therapeutic targets and ensuring the safety of gene therapies.
Looking forward, Ochre Bio aims to build a multi-product pharmaceutical company focused on advanced genomics and human-centric models, striving to make a significant impact in liver disease treatment.
Interested in hearing more about Ochre Bio’s innovative approach, bold mission and potential challenges ahead as they expand? Tune into the full episode of Raising Biotech for in-depth insights from Jack O’Meara and Dr. Scott Friedman.
[This episode was published on 21 November 2023]