Antibodies Developer locates to Oxford Trust’s Wood Centre

DJS Antibodies has announced its move into over 2,000 sqft of newly converted class II laboratory and office space at The Oxford Trust’s Wood Centre for Innovation, the second biotech to join alongside recent occupant Samsara Therapeutics.

Founded in 2015 by David Llewellyn and Joe Illingworth, who met at the University of Oxford’s Jenner Institute, DJS is working on therapeutics to treat critical inflammatory diseases that account for more than 50% of deaths worldwide. The lead programme of its HEPTAD antibody discovery platform targets a validated GPCR (G protein-coupled receptor) for the treatment of Diabetic Kidney Disease, a long-term condition that causes the irreversible loss of kidney function.

David Llewellyn, chief executive officer, DJS Antibodies, said: “There could not be a better place for DJS to take its next steps as a rapidly growing biotech company. With state-of-the art new laboratories, right between Oxford’s two major hospitals, and just a stone’s throw from some of the best academics and young companies in the world, we’re thrilled to call the Wood Centre for Innovation our new home. The cherry on the cake is the Centre’s physical location, surrounded by beautiful woodland and the Trust’s adjoining Science Oxford Centre which allows our team to volunteer to help bring science alive to the next generation of young people.”

Part of Oxford’s world-leading life sciences cluster, the Trust received £0.1 million in funding towards the £0.5 million Wood Centre project via the Government’s Local Growth Fund, secured by the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP). DJS will join Barclays Eagle Labs, the Low Carbon Hub, Lurtis, Spintex, Printpool and SSEN. Based on current demand the Trust is considering further expansion of lab space commented The Oxford Trust’s CEO Steve Burgess.

“We warmly welcome DJS Antibodies who join us as they continue their impressive strategy and growth plans to unlock immunology to deliver revolutionary medicines,” Steve Burgess said. “They become part of our 28-company strong thriving community of science and tech start-ups and spinouts across our two centres. DJS is the second biotech company to take advantage of our new R&D lab – and office – space, giving businesses the flexibility to expand and grow on their innovation journey. We would also like to thank OxLEP for their support for the Trust and Oxfordshire’s innovation ecosystem. 

The laboratory conversion project, carried out by specialist project managers Bulb Laboratories, included a total of 3,300 sq ft of advanced R&D laboratory space for work at containment level 2, supported by 500 sq ft of shared facilities for common equipment and specialist microscopy use.

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