UBIQUIGENT Case Study

As pioneers in the rapidly emerging deubiquitinase (DUB) space, Ubiquigent™ is uniquely positioned to drive forward the discovery and development of novel DUB inhibitors, DUB-targeting Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) and DUB-Targeting Chimeras (DUBTACs) as powerful new therapeutics for areas of high unmet need. Founded 13 years ago, the Company has cultivated an unrivalled track record and comprehensive range of specialist services focused on the exploitation of DUBs and the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). As such, Ubiquigent is the partner chosen by many leading industry and academic organisations for their DUB-focused drug discovery and development programmes, spanning the fields of protein degradation, stabilisation, and homeostasis.

To strengthen Ubiquigent’s unique position in the DUB-focused drug discovery space, Zyme supported the Company to define communications strategy, refresh its messaging framework, and launch its new brand and website in October 2022.

The PR programme has focused on raising awareness and understanding of Ubiquigent’s DUB-focused drug discovery platform and its role in enabling both internal and partner DUB inhibitor, DUBTAC, and DUB-targeting PROTAC programmes, as well as increasing engagement with decision makers, academics, industry leaders, potential large pharma, and investors.

Our approach has included:

• Facilitating an in-person workshop with Ubiquigent’s senior team to define communications strategy and key messages that resonate with the target audiences
• Working alongside design partner, KISS Communications to develop Ubiquigent’s new brand and website
• Development and ongoing maintenance of a comprehensive PR plan to coordinate editorial, conference, and award opportunities with upcoming news announcements
• Increasing coverage in life science trade press through targeted press releases, technical and thought leadership editorial features, strategic advertising efforts, industry and local award submissions, and conference activities (i.e., media interviews, speaker opportunities)

Developing social media strategy to elevate Ubiquigent’s existing platforms, advising on best practice to increase engagement with the target audiences and drive traffic to the new website

• Developed a clear, science-driven communications strategy, messaging framework and tactical plan to guide and ensure consistent communications across all activities
• Managed the development and launch of Ubiquigent’s new brand and website. Support included:

• Advising on logo, infographics, and brand colours, as well as website functionality and navigation, to ensure alignment with the communications objectives
• Drafting concise and engaging web copy
• Designing branded materials, including white papers and business cards

• Drafted, edited, and distributed a series of press releases, securing extensive coverage across top target life science trade press, including AZo Network, Biocentury, BioTechniques, BioWorld, Clinical Laboratory International, Drug Discovery Online, Drug Discovery World, Endpoints, Innovations in Pharmaceutical Technology, Labiotech, News Medical, Samedan Ltd, Technology Networks, and The Pharma Letter
• Secured technical / thought leadership editorial opportunities with European Biopharmaceutical Review, GEN Protocols, and Labiotech, drafting and advising on content
• Managed advertising opportunities in European Biopharmaceutical Review’s BIO-Europe Spring and Fall supplements to align with conference attendance, providing design and copywriting support
• Developed and managed social media schedule, posting regularly to promote Company and relevant industry news, editorial features, expert commentary on peer-reviewed publications / research, and conference attendance, creating bespoke graphics to accompany posts and increase engagement

• Achieving a 90.6% increase in LinkedIn followers, and 42.0% increase in Twitter followers over a 12-month period

• Secured regular media interviews / briefing meetings at conferences, including with BioTechniques, Drug Discovery World, Life Science Success Podcast, and Technology Networks, to ensure media contacts are up to date with Ubiquigent’s latest news and evolving therapeutics focus; often resulting in editorial coverage
• Secured speaker opportunity on the ‘Inspiring Women in Life Science’ panel at BioTrinity 2023 for Ubiquigent’s CSO