Medivir AB and Cancer Research Tech Collaborate to develop New Class of Cancer Drugs
Monday, April 13, 2015
Swedish pharmaceutical company Medivir AB and Cancer Research Technology or CRT, Cancer Research UK's commercialization and development arm, announced a partnership to develop a new class of drugs that has shown promise for treating a range of different cancers, including pancreatic cancer.
As part of the collaboration, CRT and Medivir will conduct a two-year research programme to optimize and develop small molecules targeting the cell surface protein ADAM8, which has been linked to tumour survival, cell invasion and metastasis.
As per the terms of the agreement, Medivir receives an exclusive, global license to research, develop, manufacture and commercialize ADAM8 inhibitor drugs resulting from development. CRT receives an upfront payment and future success milestones as well as royalties on sales which are shared with the academic collaborators.
Blocking ADAM8 in mice with pancreatic cancer prevented the spread of the disease, shrunk tumours and significantly extended lifespan. This is thought to be due to its involvement in cell adhesion, cell migration, inflammation and the growth of blood vessels - key processes that many cancers rely on for growth and development. High levels of the protein have been linked with more aggressive tumours including those in pancreatic, breast, brain, prostate, lung, head and neck, and kidney cancers.
rttnews.com
