Cancer Research Technology Grants Waypharm S.A.S Option to Novel Platinum Agents
London, UK, Les Essarts Le Roi, France, 5 February 2007 - Cancer Research Technology Limited (CRT), the cancer-focused development and commercialisation company, today announce that Waypharm S.A.S (Waypharm) has secured rights to evaluate Thioplatin a novel hypoxia-responsive platinum-based cancer therapy, from CRT.
Under the terms of the agreement, CRT has granted Waypharm an exclusive 6-month option to in-license worldwide development and commercialisation rights to the Thioplatin programme. CRT will receive an upfront payment for the option, and has agreed licensing fees, development-related milestones and royalty payments following successful development and commercialisation by Waypharm.
The Thioplatin programme stems from research conducted by Professor Eberhard Amtmann of the Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Heidelberg, and Dr Gerhard Schilling of the University of Heidelberg. The scientists have developed platinum compounds that display enhanced activity under the hypoxic conditions of solid tumours. Such tumour selectivity could allow the administration of higher doses of this new class of platinum drug without the usual neutropenic and neuropathological toxicities that are associated with other platinum drugs.
Within the programme a lead compound, TP-2, has been selected and will be licensed along with a package of preclinical data, including formulation and stability studies. Waypharm will use its formulation expertise and recently accredited production facilities outside of Paris, to optimise a liposomal formulation for entry into Phase I trials.
-Ends-
Contact
Cancer Research Technology Limited
Dr Nick Wells, Head of Marketing +44 207 269 3640
nwells@CancerTechnology.com
Waypharm S.A.S.
Thierry Chauvé + 33 1 30 88 95 14
Thierry.CHAUVE@waypharm.fr
Notes to Editors
About Cancer Research Technology Limited
Cancer Research Technology Limited (CRT) is an oncology-focused development and commercialisation company that realises cancer patient benefit from publicly- funded research worldwide. CRT works closely with leading international cancer scientists, their institutes and funding bodies to protect, develop and commercialise oncology-related discoveries. CRT is wholly owned by Cancer Research UK, the largest independent funder of cancer research in the world. Further information about CRT can be found at www.CancerTechnology.com.
About Waypharm S.A.S
Waypharm S.A.S is a high-integrity company devoted to its customers and people.
Its mission is innovation for better cancer therapy. Waypharm develops new drugs and compounds and has a portfolio of 12 products at various stages of development.
Waypharm also offers a full range of R&D and manufacturing services with required marketing registration files.
For more information about Waypharm, please visit: www.waypharm.fr.
|
