Forcefield Therapeutics

Forcefield is a pioneer of best-in-class therapeutics to protect heart function by arresting the loss of cardiomyocytes following myocardial infarction (heart attacks). Myocardial infarction (MI) triggers the irreversible loss of large numbers of cardiomyocytes, or heart cells, which can lead to a cascade of events leading to heart failure. Up to 30% of cardiomyocytes can be lost during and immediately after MI.

Forcefield has identified naturally occurring cardioprotective proteins capable of retaining cardiac tissue damaged by acute myocardial infarction via a unique combination of actions. The targets were identified through ‘FunSel’, a transformational, unbiased protein search engine developed by Forcefield’s founder Professor Mauro Giacca. The proteins identified through FunSel act through mechanisms which have naturally evolved to repair molecular, cellular, and organ damage and may have potential in other diseases.

Following an initial commitment of £5.5 million from Syncona, Forcefield’s launch was announced in April 2022, following which we have continued to support the company as it has developed its strategy and built out its operations. Lead Partner, Elisa Petris, and Investment Partner, Alice Renard, are members of the company’s Board, and Executive Partner, John Tsai MD, is Chief Executive Officer.

In 2024 Syncona committed £20 million and Roche Venture Fund committed £10.0 million to a Series A financing in Forcefield.