Maxion Therapeutics

A Cambridge biotech developing antibody-based medicines that target ion channels and receptors involved in pain and autoimmune disease.

About Maxion Therapeutics

Maxion Therapeutics designs antibody-based medicines for diseases driven by ion channels and receptors known as GPCRs, which sit on the surface of cells. Its KnotBody technology attaches small natural proteins called knottins to antibodies, so that the medicine can act on targets that have been very hard to reach. It is looking at conditions such as autoimmune disease, chronic pain and heart disorders.

The company says it wants to create treatments for diseases that are untreatable or poorly treated, with selective, long-acting medicines. Its co-founder John McCafferty has called ion channels a blind spot for antibody medicines.

Maxion is based at the Babraham Institute near Cambridge, and a recent job listing places the work at the Unity Campus in Cambridge. It was founded in 2020, and its leaders include co-founders who helped pioneer antibody engineering in Cambridge.

The company's listing says it wants people comfortable with an agile, start-up culture. That is its own description, so ask what it means day to day.

We found a research scientist (protein sciences) vacancy advertised until July 2026. It asks for hands-on experience producing ion channels and GPCRs, so it is not a school-leaver route. We found no apprenticeship, internship or graduate scheme, so check Maxion's careers page.

What they do

• {'desc': 'Fusing knottins onto antibodies to reach hard targets.', 'title': 'KnotBody platform'}
• {'desc': 'Medicines for pain, immune and heart conditions.', 'title': 'Ion channel and GPCR antibodies'}
• {'desc': 'Lead programme in preclinical development for inflammatory disease.', 'title': 'MAX001'}

Key facts

• Founded 2020
• Based at the Babraham Institute, Cambridge
• Co-founders include John McCafferty and Aneesh Karatt-Vellatt
• Research scientist role advertised to 31 July 2026

Website: www.maxiontx.com