Cizzle Biotechnology PLC

Focused on early detection of lung cancer via the development of an immunoassay test for the CIZ1B biomarker

Cizzle Biotechnology PLC

We have developed a non-invasive blood test for early lung cancer detection.

 

Who we are:

Cizzle Biotechnology PLC is a pioneering cancer diagnostics company, originally a spin-out from the University of York, and now listed on the London Stock Exchange.

We have developed a non-invasive blood test for early lung cancer detection, using our patented CIZ1B biomarker technology.

Standing at the forefront of biotechnological innovation, Cizzle’s mission is to improve lung cancer survival through early detection, enabling timely interventions, improving patient outcomes, and saving lives worldwide.

The CIZ1B Biomarker: A Breakthrough in Early Lung Cancer Detection

Our CIZ1B biomarker detects lung cancer at its earliest and most treatable stage. Designed as a simple blood test, it enables early diagnosis before symptoms appear—when treatment options can transform outcomes for patients and families.

Detect Early. Save Lives.

Validated for Early Detection

Backed by 15 years of research and developed in collaboration with the Mammalian Cell Cycle Research Group at the University of York, our patented technology is transforming lung cancer detection.

Studies have shown that CIZ1 is an essential part of the nuclear structure responsible for regulating gene expression. A unique variant, CIZ1B, is detected specifically in lung cancer cells, making it a highly specific and reliable biomarker for early lung cancer detection.

The creation of proprietary monoclonal antibodies that recognise the CIZ1B biomarker now paves the way for our first market-ready test.

Advancing Toward Global Adoption

Since our admission to the London Stock Exchange in May 2021, we have entered commercial royalty-bearing agreements to license our proprietary technology and formed strategic collaborations with leading cancer research centres worldwide.

Our commitment extends beyond innovation—we are driving real-world adoption to make early lung cancer detection accessible worldwide.

Leadership

Under the leadership of Professor Dawn Coverley and Dr. Allan Syms, our team combines decades of expertise in cancer and cell biology. This blend of skills ensures that Cizzle remains at the cutting edge of cancer diagnostics, driving innovations that promise better survival rates for patients worldwide.

DR ALLAN SYMS
Executive Chairman

Allan is an experienced international life sciences and technology senior executive, with over 30 years’ experience at Board level often as Founder or CEO in creating and through private and public fundraising, building emerging technology businesses through to trade sale and IPO .

Cizzle Biotech Dawn

PROF. DAWN COVERLEY
Founder and Chief Scientific Officer

Founder of Cizzle Biotechnology Dawn is a cell biologist with over 20 years’ experience in cancer-related research. After a first degree in Genetics (Leicester), and a PhD in biochemistry (Cancer Research UK), she completed postdoctoral training at the University of Cambridge, then moved to the University of York to establish an independent research group in 2002, supported by the Lister Institute of Preventive Medicine.

NIGEL LEE, FCA
Finance Director

Nigel has been a director of CFO Solutions Ltd since 2003 which has provided financial advisory services to the Group since 2010, as well as company secretarial services since 2012. Through CFO Solutions Ltd he also provides financial advisory and company secretarial services to Kent Surrey Sussex AHSN Limited. He was financial director/controller in two IT services and software companies between 1999 to 2003 and prior to that had 11 years of audit and business advisory experience at PricewaterhouseCoopers, including six years as a senior manager. Nigel qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1988.

Cizzle Biotechnology Nigel Lee Financial Advisor London
Cizzle Biotech John

JOHN TREACY
Non-Executive
 Director

John is an experienced corporate financier. He qualified as a solicitor in the London office of a major international law firm where he specialised in Capital Markets and Mergers & Acquisitions. From there he moved to practice corporate finance in the advisory teams of several prominent UK brokerages where he advised on numerous IPOs, acquisitions, debt restructurings and placings. John has been a Non-Executive Director of the Company since January 2019. John Chairs the Audit and Risk Committee and is a member of the Remuneration Committee.

Matt Bower
Leadership Team

Matt is an highly experienced executive, director, and company secretary with extensive experience in private equity-backed and publicly listed companies. He specialises in delivering transactional and commercial strategies that drive growth and value. As a strategic advisor and mentor, Matt brings expertise in operational, financial, and risk management to support high-growth businesses across innovation, technology, and trading sectors. A Class 1 Master Mariner, he earned his qualification from Solent University, Southampton. 

Cizzle Biotechnology London UK

Our Journey:

Initially backed by Yorkshire Cancer Research, White Rose Technology Seed Corn Fund, Finance Yorkshire Seedcorn LLP, and Viking Members, the company developed a prototype blood test that can detect the CIZ1Biomarker.

Our innovative approach represents a potential paradigm shift in how cancer is detected and treated across the globe.

Cizzle Biotechnology: Key Milestones

2002 🧬

Discovery of the CIZ1B variant by Prof. Dawn Coverley, linking it to lung cancer. First patents filed.

2010 – 2022 🔬

Additional patents filed and granted.

2021 🧬

Listed on the London Stock Exchange by way of a Standard Listing, raising £2.2M.

2024 🧪

BBI named antibody manufacturing partner. Licensing and royalty agreements secured for North America and the Caribbean with Cizzle Bio. Partnership with Moffitt Cancer Center, USA announced.

2004 🧪

Cizzle Biotechnology Founded by Prof Dawn Coverley, and spun out from the University of York

2012 🧬

Landmark publication by Higgins G, et al showing CIZ1B capable of detecting early-stage lung cancer

2022 🧪

Licensing and royalty agreement for China market. New monoclonal antibodies developed to enable optimisation of commercial test

2025🔬

First prospective clinical studies commence in real-world setting

2006 – 2008 🔬

Seed funding secured from Yorkshire Cancer Research, White Rose Technology Seedcorn Fund, Finance Yorkshire, and Viking Members.

2017 🧬

Coverley et al publish major commercial advance by showing CIZ1B can be measured using a high-throughput, hospital-friendly ELISA format to detect lung cancer.

2023 🧪

Partnership with BioTechne announced.

Expanding Global Access

Through strategic partnerships and licensing, we are unlocking the full potential of our CIZ1B biomarker technology for worldwide use. Our scalable, cost-effective solution is designed for rapid deployment, making early cancer detection more accessible than ever.

Join Us in Shaping the Future of Cancer Diagnostics

We are actively forging partnerships across the healthcare ecosystem, from providers to insurers, to expand access and improve patient outcomes globally.

Innovation at our core

Driven by a commitment to innovation, Cizzle is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge technologies that make cancer detection more accurate, accessible, and life-saving.

Our dedication goes beyond traditional methods. We are working on point-of-care tests that could become as routine as checking your blood pressure, making lung cancer surveillance an integral part of everyday healthcare. Learn more about the CIZ1 B Biomarker