Epsilon-3 Bio Limited is a preclinical stage company with investment from Index Ventures, Novo Ventures and Imperial Innovations. The company is focused on the efficient development of first in class drug candidates stimulating safe removal of cellular debris. Such agents are expected to provide a useful treatment for a wide range of diseases including inflammation and autoimmunity, neurodegeneration, fibrosis and cancer.
The aging process underlies development of many major diseases of middle and old age – diseases that are poorly treated by existing drugs.
These diseases represent the biggest unmet medical need in the developed world, a situation unlikely to change for several decades.
Removal of cell debris is a key process in healthy aging. The efficiency of clearance in a given individual is determined by diet, exercise and genetics. As long as debris is cleared away effectively, regeneration can occur. When the clearance mechanisms are overwhelmed, debris builds up leading to loss of cell and tissue function and eventually to disease.
E3Bio is developing molecules that stimulate cell debris clearance, and our lead drug candidate is anticipated to reach clinic early 2017.
The company follows an asset centric virtual model with a hub based in Cambridge, UK, where the initial scientific observations were made. The company is staffed with a team of experienced drug developers directing an out-sourced development program. This model ensures a dynamic sector-leading capital efficiency without sacrificing quality.
Clearing away debris
During normal aging, the cells and proteins that make up tissues and organs become damaged by the harsh environment. Cells die leaving ‘corpses’, misfolded proteins aggregate and proteins gradually lose their critical functions. Cell division and new protein synthesis can replace the dead cells and damaged proteins – but only after the debris has been removed.
Two distinct mechanisms drive clearance of debris:
Phagocytosis stimulators
– driving clearance of extracellular debris
Autophagy stimulators
– driving clearance of intracellular debris
E3Bio are developing first in class molecules that specifically enhance clearance


