Broken String Biosciences
Broken String Biosciences is a UK-based biotechnology company that sells the INDUCE-seq platform and BreakMap kits for genome-wide, cell-based detection of DNA breaks, serving cell and gene therapy developers working on CRISPR, base editing, and prime editing programs from discovery through IND-enabling studies.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2017
- HeadquartersCambridge, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What Broken String Biosciences does
Broken String Biosciences is a privately-held biotechnology company headquartered in Cambridge (Hinxton), United Kingdom, founded in 2017 around research spun out of Cardiff University with AstraZeneca as an industrial sponsor. The company develops INDUCE-seq, a PCR-free, in cellulo platform that directly labels and captures DNA double-strand breaks genome-wide, enabling unbiased on- and off-target analysis for gene editing programs. Its commercial offering centers on the BreakMap kitted workflow, the INDUCE-seq Analysis cloud-based bioinformatics platform, and a suite of services spanning discovery screening, base editing support, and IND-enabling studies, with the Catalyst Early Access Program enabling customers to run the platform in-house. The company is also developing SafeGuide, an AI gRNA selection tool in partnership with BioLizard.
Broken String Biosciences firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Broken String Biosciences
- Legal name
- Broken String Biosciences Limited
- Website
- https://brokenstringbio.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2017
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Broken String Biosciences is a UK-based biotechnology company that sells the INDUCE-seq platform and BreakMap kits for genome-wide, cell-based detection of DNA breaks, serving cell and gene therapy developers working on CRISPR, base editing, and prime editing programs from discovery through IND-enabling studies.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Broken String Biosciences industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Genomic Safety Analysis Tools
- NAICS
- Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714), Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516)
- SIC
- Services-Testing Laboratories (8734), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Gene Therapy Analytical Testing & QC (potency, vg/ddPCR, infectivity, RCL/RCA) (HLAAACAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Molecular Biology & Genomics Instruments (PCR/qPCR, Sequencing, Microarrays) (HLAGAIAF), Gene Therapy CMC/Process Development Platforms (capsid engineering, producer cell lines, plasmids, upstream/downstream) (HLAAACAN)
Keywords
Where Broken String Biosciences is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Cambridge
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
Broken String Biosciences business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- INDUCE-seq platform services: Broken String offers its INDUCE-seq platform as a lab-based service through its own facilities, enabling gene editing therapy developers to detect on- and off-target edits at high resolution. The company also offers the Catalyst Early Access Program for developers to use the platform in their own labs.
- BreakMap kits: BreakMap is an end-to-end kitted workflow (24 samples per kit configuration) that includes molecular biology reagents, buffers, DNA purification beads for NGS library preparation, and access to the BreakMap cloud-based analysis platform. Kits are sold with associated support services including comprehensive onboarding, user guides, videos, and in-person training.
- Cloud-based bioinformatics access: Access to the BreakMap cloud-based analysis platform is included with kit purchases, enabling secure bioinformatics that translates raw sequencing data into ranked, actionable insights.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Quote-based pricing for BSB Kits and Services |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Broken String Biosciences product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Broken String Biosciences develops and commercializes the INDUCE-seq® platform, a PCR-free, in cellulo technology that directly labels and quantifies DNA double-strand breaks across the genome. The platform is sold as the BreakMap™ kitted workflow (reagents, library prep consumables, and cloud-based bioinformatics) and supported by lab-based services spanning discovery screening, base editing assessment, and IND-enabling off-target characterization for cell and gene therapy developers.
Product overview
Broken String Biosciences offers a unified portfolio centered on the INDUCE-seq® platform, a PCR-free, cell-based technology for genome-wide DNA break detection and quantification. The commercial product is delivered as the BreakMap™ kit, which packages INDUCE-seq reagents with integrated cloud-based bioinformatics analysis and comprehensive onboarding. Supporting services span discovery screening, base editing applications, and IND-enabling studies with FDA Master File reference documentation. The company is developing SafeGuide, an AI-powered gRNA selection tool in partnership with BioLizard, to complement the platform with predictive analytics capabilities.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- INDUCE-seq®: Core platform technology for genome-wide detection and quantification of DNA breaks in gene editing applications, enabling on- and off-target analysis
- BreakMap™
- SafeGuide
- Catalyst Program
Products and services
- INDUCE-seq® Platform Scalable, cell-based, PCR-free platform for genome-wide detection and quantification of DNA double-strand breaks. Directly labels and captures DNA breaks within fixed and permeabilised cells, enabling unbiased on- and off-target editing analysis. Compatible with any cell type and any nuclease-based editor, supporting CRISPR, base editing, and prime editing programs.
- BreakMap™ Kit End-to-end kitted workflow (24 samples per kit configuration) for in-house genome-wide on- and off-target analysis. Includes molecular biology reagents and buffers, DNA purification beads for NGS library preparation, and access to the cloud-based analysis platform. Sold with onboarding, user guides, videos, and in-person training.
- INDUCE-seq® Analysis (Cloud Bioinformatics Platform) Purpose-built, cloud-based bioinformatics platform that converts INDUCE-seq sequencing data into ranked, decision-ready outputs including nominated putative off-target break sites, annotated tables, and visualizations. Features precise break localization, normalized treated:control analysis, break site annotation with biological context, and probabilistic nomination of high-confidence candidate sites; typical analysis time under 2 hours.
- IND-Enabling Studies Service
- IND-Enabling Studies Service Regulatory-focused off-target characterization service supporting IND submissions. Provides genome-wide, cell-based datasets aligned with FDA expectations, identification of treatment-induced off-target sites for confirmation strategies, and access to FDA Master File reference documentation.
- Base Editing Support Service Genome-wide, cell-based assessment solutions for adenine base editing (ABE) and cytosine base editing (CBE) programs. Enables simultaneous evaluation of editing-associated signals and unexpected off-target DNA break events within the same cellular context, with dedicated workflows for early access partners.
- Discovery Screening Service Early-stage gene editing screening service enabling confident assessment of on- and off-target editing outcomes. Designed to scale alongside modern screening approaches and to support higher-throughput automated laboratory environments without compromising data quality.
- Catalyst Early Access Program Early access program that allows selected gene editing therapy developers to use the INDUCE-seq® platform in their own laboratories. Cell- and nuclease-agnostic, enabling direct measurement in clinically relevant samples and supporting rapid iteration on guide RNA optimization and off-target characterization.
Quantifiable outcome
- Results delivered in days compared to months with traditional approaches
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Broken String Biosciences
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments1 record
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Broken String Biosciences technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability3 records
Feature5 records
Broken String Biosciences partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered regional and core.
- Sciencewerke Pte LtdregionalDistributor appointed across Southeast Asia (Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand) to bring INDUCE-seq directly to regional life science and pharmaceutical sectors to accelerate clinical impact.
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Genome Editing ConsortiumcoreBroken String is a member of the NIST Genome Editing Consortium, playing a key role in developing gold-standard safety testing for gene-editing therapies. The company partners with other leaders in the field to publish findings and engage with regulators to promote adoption of its technology.
- BioLizardcorePartnership to develop SafeGuide, an AI tool for selecting safer, better guide RNAs. The project benefits from a $935,000 grant through the Eurostars-3 program. Broken String contributes data and expertise from its INDUCE-seq platform while BioLizard develops predictive algorithms that integrate genomic break data with sequence and structural features to recommend gRNAs with high on-target efficacy and low off-target risk.
- Health and Environmental Sciences Institute (HESI) CT-TRACS CommitteecoreCross-sector committee where 30 partner companies including major biopharma partners are helping advance breakthrough technologies that improve human health in the cell and gene therapy space.
- Francis Crick InstitutecoreResearch collaboration to apply INDUCE-seq technology to investigate the impact of genomic instability in the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Partnership combines Prof Simon Boulton's DNA double-strand break research with Prof Rickie Patani's ALS disease mechanism research. Secured via the Crick's Business Engagement Fund supported by MRC-UKRI.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Broken String Biosciences competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Synthego: Provides CRISPR gene editing tools, engineered cells, and bioinformatics services supporting therapeutic developers. Directly comparable to Broken String as a tools/services provider serving the same gene editing customer base with overlapping off-target analysis and gRNA design offerings.
- Revvity (formerly Horizon Discovery): Offers gene editing and cell line engineering services, including off-target characterisation and cell-based assay support for therapeutic developers. Closely comparable to Broken String's IND-enabling and discovery screening services, and notably the alma mater of Broken String's CEO.
Broad incumbents
- Aldevron (Danaher): Manufactures plasmids, mRNA, and proteins used in cell and gene therapy development, with services supporting safety and analytical testing. Overlaps with Broken String as a partner/supplier to gene therapy developers, though broader in scope.
- 10x Genomics: Single-cell and spatial genomics platform used across gene editing and cell therapy programmes. Compares to Broken String as a genomics tools vendor to the same customer base; Broken String's ex-board member Brad Crutchfield was previously CCO of 10x Genomics.
- Illumina: Dominant NGS platform provider underpinning most sequencing-based off-target assays including INDUCE-seq. Illumina Ventures is also a Broken String investor, highlighting the strategic adjacency; comparable as a broader genomics tools incumbent whose sequencing infrastructure underpins the gene editing safety workflow.
- Charles River Laboratories: Large CRO with significant gene therapy and cell therapy safety/biologics testing services. Comparable to Broken String's IND-enabling services business as a broader incumbent CRO serving the same therapeutic developers with safety and analytical services.
- Catalent (Novo Holdings): Cell and gene therapy CDMO with development, manufacturing, and analytical services for advanced therapies. Compares to Broken String as a service provider supporting gene therapy programmes through IND-enabling stages, with broader CDMO scale.
- Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT, Danaher): Major supplier of oligonucleotides, gRNAs, and CRISPR reagents used in gene editing workflows. Comparable as a tools vendor serving the same gene editing developers; supplies adjacent parts of the editing workflow that Broken String's off-target platform characterises.
Emerging players
- Twist Bioscience: DNA synthesis platform with growing footprint in synthetic biology and gene editing tools, including gRNA libraries and target enrichment products. Adjacent to Broken String's customer base of gene editing developers, with overlapping commercial channels.
- Caribou Biosciences: Develops CRISPR-based genome editing technologies with both therapeutic and tools businesses. Comparable as a gene editing specialist with internal platform technology targeting therapeutic developers, though Caribou's tools offering is more nascent than Broken String's commercial platform.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Broken String Biosciences social profiles
Digital presenceBroken String Biosciences financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Broken String Biosciences leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles14 records
Broken String Biosciences funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds3 records
Investors7 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Broken String Biosciences M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Broken String Biosciences
What does Broken String Biosciences do?
Broken String Biosciences develops and commercializes the INDUCE-seq® platform, a PCR-free, in cellulo technology that directly labels and quantifies DNA double-strand breaks across the genome. The platform is sold as the BreakMap™ kitted workflow (reagents, library prep consumables, and cloud-based bioinformatics) and supported by lab-based services spanning discovery screening, base editing assessment, and IND-enabling off-target characterization for cell and gene therapy developers.
Is Broken String Biosciences a public or private company?
Broken String Biosciences is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Broken String Biosciences founded?
Broken String Biosciences was founded in 2017. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Broken String Biosciences based?
Broken String Biosciences is headquartered in Cambridge, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Broken String Biosciences make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. INDUCE-seq platform services are the primary driver. The others are breakMap kits and cloud-based bioinformatics access.
Who are Broken String Biosciences's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Synthego and Revvity (formerly Horizon Discovery). Broad incumbents are Aldevron (Danaher), 10x Genomics, Illumina, Charles River Laboratories, Catalent (Novo Holdings) and Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT, Danaher). Emerging players are Twist Bioscience and Caribou Biosciences.
Does Broken String Biosciences have an API?
No public API is recorded for Broken String Biosciences.
What industry is Broken String Biosciences in?
Broken String Biosciences's product category is Genomic Safety Analysis Tools. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAAACAK, Gene Therapy Analytical Testing & QC (potency, vg/ddPCR, infectivity, RCL/RCA), with a secondary code of HLAGAIAF, Molecular Biology & Genomics Instruments (PCR/qPCR, Sequencing, Microarrays). Its NAICS code is 541714 and its SIC code is 8734.