Occam’s European TechBio Practice Accelerates with the Recruitment of Nucleome CEO Mark Bodmer, PhD

In July 2024, Occam recruited Mark Bodmer, PhD, as CEO of Oxford-based Nucleome Therapeutics. Nucleome is a platform company that leverages machine learning ML and spatial genomics to discover precision medicines for complex diseases. The company is backed by a world-class syndicate of investors that includes M Ventures, Johnson & Johnson Innovation-JJDC, Pfizer Ventures, British Patient Capital, and founding investor Oxford Science Enterprises.

Dr. Bodmer joins Nucleome from Evelo Biosciences, where he has served as Chief Scientific Officer and President of R&D since 2016. Previously, Dr. Bodmer held senior pharmaceutical and biotech roles, including VP of New Medicines Therapeutics at UCB S.A., Senior Vice President of Immunoinflammation at GSK, and CEO of Hexagen, Lorantis, and Biotica.

Dr. Bodmer received a BA in Natural Sciences and a PhD in Genetics from the University of Cambridge.

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About Nucleome Therapeutics Technology

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Nucleome Therapeutics is a cutting-edge biotech company focused on harnessing the power of the 3D genome to unlock therapeutic potential. They leverage advanced machine learning and experimental techniques to identify disease-linked genetic variants and develop targeted drugs and biomarkers. Their platform is centered on the regulatory genome—the non-coding DNA that controls gene expression—helping to uncover new drug targets for personalized medicine. Dr. Bodmer explains that their approach goes beyond identifying genes by decoding the 'software of the genome'—the control instructions that dictate when and where genes are activated. Nucleome's technology is unique in its ability to examine thousands of genes in a single experiment, enabling them to analyze vast amounts of data and pinpoint genetic variants driving disease. Their integration of machine learning accelerates the target identification of these variants that can be used with biologics and innovative therapies. 

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The goal of combining machine learning with lab data is to reduce the high failure rate in drug development. Instead of molecular biologists focusing on single targets, this approach allows for a broader view of complex biological systems, enabling a better understanding of entire pathways and key nodal points. This holistic perspective could double the success rate of drug discovery. 

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Dr. Mark Bodmer was brought on board to help elevate Nucleome to the next level, focusing on business development and partnerships with pharmaceutical companies to scale their innovative machine-learning technology and accelerate the industry's drug discovery efforts.