SynGenSys introduces NK.SET synthetic promoter library to advance natural killer cell therapies
· First commercially available NK (natural killer) cell-specific promoter library enables precise and controllable gene expression
· Portfolio of synthetic promoters validates SynGenSys’ platform for engineering targeted, tissue-specific gene regulation control elements
Sheffield, UK, 23 September 2025: SynGenSys, a biotechnology company designing synthetic gene promoter systems to address critical bottlenecks in biopharma manufacturing and enhance cell and gene therapy development, today announced the launch of NK.SET™. Developed using the Company’s proprietary informatics and design workflow, NK.SET is a synthetic promoter library designed to enable precise, tuneable gene expression in natural killer (NK) cell immunotherapies, to improve both efficacy and targeting.
NK cell therapy development has previously been limited by access to precise, cell-specific, tuneable transgene expression, which is important for both in vivo, as well as ex vivo generated therapies. SynGenSys’ NK.SET promoter library now offers cell-specific control over gene expression, with a range of compact de novo sequences of ~200-600 bp with customisable expression levels. Each promoter is designed to reduce off-target activity and can be tailored to meet specific therapeutic needs. Minimal promoter size increases vector therapeutic payload capacity, enabling application across diverse therapeutic contexts.
The first in a portfolio of cell type specific libraries, NK.SET demonstrates the practical utility of SynGenSys’ platform and serves as proof-of-concept for the Company’s ability to design optimised promoters for specific tissues. The library provides customers with access to off-the-shelf targeted promoters, and forms the basis for rapid customisation, optimised for specific therapeutic requirements.
Promoter selection is a critical yet often overlooked step in cell and gene therapy development, with many manufacturers opting for natural promoters, which comewith fixed sizes, activity profiles, and regulatory behaviours. In contrast, bespoke synthetic promoters can be tailored to specific therapeutic applications, offering precise on- and off-target activity. This facilitates the development of safer, more effective gene therapies, particularly in vivo gene therapies, with improved tissue specificity and reduced risk of off-target effects.
David James, Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer, SynGenSys, commented: “The introduction of NK.SET marks a significant step forward for SynGenSys, and a clear demonstration of the utility of our platform. Not only does it open the door for new partnership opportunities in the expanding NK-based immunotherapy field, but it also extends the potential for applicability of our platform toother immune cells such as T cells, broadening our impact across the cell and gene therapy landscape. This is more than a product – it’s a strategic milestone showcasing SynGenSys’ commitment to advancing the next-generation of cell and gene therapies through engineered transcriptional control - ultimately delivering safer and more effective therapies.”
About SynGenSys
SynGenSys’ proprietary informatics and computational design platform, Sypher, enables the precise design of synthetic gene promoters to meet strict requirements and address critical bottlenecks in biomanufacturing and cell and gene therapy (CGT). The Company’s team of globally respected scientists has deep expertise in promoter design and development, with a history of delivering high impact projects for some of the world’s leading biopharmaceutical and CGT companies.
With Sypher, SynGenSys is able to rapidly assess the transcriptional landscape of any target tissue, identifying features contributing to off-target expression, while tuning expression requirements. SynGenSys offers a range of off-the-shelf or custom-developed promoter systems to both de-risk and enhance biopharmaceutical production efficiency, quality, and turnaround time — including for production of multi-component and difficult-to express proteins. For cell and gene therapies, SynGenSys provides transcriptional analysis and bespoke promoter design services that enable precise, tuneable control of transgene expression. By designing minimal-sized promoters for optimised payload capacity, SynGenSys is supporting the development and delivery of next-generation medicines.
SynGenSys was founded in 2021as a spin-out from the University of Sheffield based on research carried out by founders Professor David James and Dr Adam Brown.
