ILC Therapeutics was founded in 2012 by Bill Stimson, Emeritus Professor of Immunology (University of Strathclyde, Glasgow), following years of study into the role of the alpha-interferon subtypes in influencing the immune response. Prof Stimson founded Alfacyte in order to explore their therapeutic potential as new drug candidates.

The company is currently focussing development around two candidate alpha-interferon subtypes – IFN-α14 and IFN-α10 as well as its own proprietary molecule. Its work is protected by three filed patent families, one of which has already been granted in the US. The company is currently developing a topical treatment for moderate/severe psoriasis.