Avidex

Avidex was a pioneering British biotechnology company focused on the development of soluble T-cell receptors (TCRs) for the treatment of cancer, viral infections, and autoimmune diseases. Founded in 1999 as a spin-out from the University of Oxford, the company developed a proprietary platform to engineer high-affinity TCRs, known as monoclonal TCRs (mTCRs), which could target intracellular proteins presented by HLA molecules. Avidex was acquired by the German biotech firm Medigene in 2006 for approximately €50 million. The technology and expertise established at Avidex laid the foundation for the subsequent formation of Immunocore and Adaptimmune, leading to the development of breakthrough TCR-based therapies. Its legacy remains central to the field of TCR-based immunotherapy and the commercial success of drugs like Kimmtrak.