Magnitude Biosciences

Founded in 2018 as a spin-out from Durham University, Magnitude Biosciences is a specialist Contract Research Organisation (CRO) revolutionising early pre-clinical drug development.  

Co-founded by Prof. David Weinkove and Dr. Christopher Saunter, the company leverages the microscopic nematode worm C. elegans to provide rapid and cost effective insights into drug efficacy and safety.  

Traditional drug discovery methods are expensive and time-consuming. Many researchers rely on costly mammalian studies, delaying the identification of promising drug candidates. 

To counter this, Magnitude Biosciences developed its unique and patented WormGazer® technology, automating the analysis of C. elegans to evaluate health and lifespan under different conditions.  

This approach accelerates decision-making for biotech, pharma, and health industries, offering an efficient alternative to traditional models.  

With support from Northern Accelerator – a collaboration between the North East’s universities – Magnitude Biosciences assembled a skilled management team and expanded its workforce. Its innovative platform has enabled global researchers to identify health-extending compounds faster than ever before, contributing to advancements in ageing research and drug discovery.