Novel Tumour-Specific MUC1 Antibodies
Discovery
5E5 and 2D9 are monoclonal antibodies recognising a novel and proprietary glycopeptide epitope of the tumour-associated form of mucin MUC1. Studies using the antibodies demonstrate superior specificity for breast cancer cells over normal breast epithelial cells when compared to other MUC1 antibodies. The antibodies and epitope have potential applications in tumour targeting for therapy, and in serum-based diagnostics. A patent application and data are available for licensing.
Contact: Dr Laura Fletcher, lfletcher@CancerTechnology.com
 Further details can be accessed here
Peptides that Inhibit the Interaction of p53 and MDM2 Acidic Domain (New)
Discovery
The interaction between the p53-BOX-1 domain and the MDM2 N-terminal domain is the target of small molecule inhibitors currently in development. It has been shown that a second site of interaction between the MDM2 acidic domain and p53-BOX-5 is required for MDM2-catalysed ubiquitination, and hence degradation, of p53. This site represents a second target site for inhibiting the MDM2-dependent ubiquitination of p53. Short peptide aptamers that target this interaction and inhibit p53 ubiquitination have been developed. A patent covering these peptides and screening assays is available for licensing. Collaborative opportunities to develop the peptides or small molecule mimetics are available.
Contact: Dr Laura Fletcher, lfletcher@CancerTechnology.com
Migration Stimulating Factor (MSF)
CRT Development Laboratories Project
Proof-of-Concept
MSF is a potent motogenic and angiogenic factor. It can be expressed by the three principal cell types found in common human tumours (carcinoma, fibroblast and endothelial). These cells are responsive to MSF in terms of the stimulation of cell migration/invasion, hyaluronan synthesis and angiogenesis. In collaboration with investigators at the University of Dundee, CRT’s Development Laboratories (CRTDL) have undertaken pre-clinical studies which have validated MSF as an anti-angiogenic target and highlighted the promising cancer therapeutic potential of inhibiting MSF using a function-neutralising monoclonal antibody. Additionally, accurate measurement of MSF levels in the serum (ELISA) and/or tissue samples (IHC) from cancer patients may afford a means of improving cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
Contact: Dr Phil Masterson, pmasterson@CancerTechnology.com
Immunostimulatory Cancer Therapy (CD137)
Proof-of-Concept
Human CD137 is a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor super-family. CD137 is expressed on activated T-cells and signalling through the receptor has been shown to increase cytotoxic effector function of T-cells in response to T-cell receptor stimulation. A panel of hybridoma cells expressing anti-Human CD137 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been generated. The mAbs are CD137 agonists which act as surrogate ligands for the receptor and have been shown to induce T-cell activation. CRT is now seeking a commercial partner interested in developing these promising reagents as therapeutics
Contact: Dr Nick Gower, ngower@CancerTechnology.com
Further details can be accessed here
MUC1: Naked DNA Cancer Vaccine
In Vivo Proof-of-Concept
Recent results of clinical trials with MUC1-based agents have attracted considerable interest in MUC1 as potential target antigen for immunotherapy of breast, pancreas, ovarian and other cancers. Studies using a proprietary human MUC1 transgenic mouse have shown that MUC1-based naked DNA immunotherapy elicits an anti-tumour response. An exclusive license to CRT’s MUC1 patent portfolio in the field of naked DNA based therapy and non-exclusive rights to the huMUC1 transgenic mouse model are available.
Contact: Dr Raj Mehta, rmehta@CancerTechnology.com
Further details can be accessed here
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Leptin Antagonists as Cancer Therapeutics (New)
In Vivo Proof-of-Concept
Over the last 5 to 10 years evidence has been accumulating that leptin signalling plays an important role in the development and maintenance of a number of cancers. Evidence of overexpression in tumours, data from genetic ablation studies and the fact that leptin promotes the proliferation of a wide range of cancer cell lines all points to a role for leptin signalling in cancer. This technology is based on the identification of peptides derived from the leptin protein which act as potent antagonists of leptin receptor signalling. The lead peptides have been shown to be effective inhibitors in vitro and also against tumour models such as the 4T1 model and MCF7 xenografts. Very recent data has also suggested that these peptides may be effective therapeutics in a murine endometriosis model. In pegylated form the peptides have long in vivo half lives and the peptides have shown no signs of toxicity or effects on body weight.
Contact: Dr Angus Lauder, alauder@CancerTechnology.com
Further details can be accessed here
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A New Class of Androgen Receptor Antagonist
In Vivo Proof-of-Concept
A short peptide therapeutic has been identified and patented that is capable of inhibiting the interaction of the androgen receptor and Src. The peptide inhibits the G1-S transition in androgen or estradiol-stimulated prostate and breast cancer cells in vitro as well as the growth of LNCaP prostate cell xenografts. CRT is now seeking a commercial partner interested in pursuing a co-development or licensing arrangement to further develop this programme.
Contact: Dr Nick Gower, ngower@CancerTechnology.com
Further details can be accessed here
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CEA Antibodies
Clinical Phase I
MFE-23 is a single chain Fv antibody that has high affinity for the tumour specific antigen CEA. Successful preclinical and clinical studies support its potential for use in targeted cancer therapies and as an imaging agent. These include Phase I studies of radiolabelled MFE-23 for use as an imaging agent, for radioimmunoguided surgery and as the tumour-targeting moiety of an antibody directed enzyme prodrug therapy. Humanised MFE-23 and higher affinity variants are also available.
Contact: Dr Tanya Moore, tmoore@CancerTechnology.com
Further details can be accessed here
Therapeutic HPV Vaccine
Clinical Phase II
TA-CIN, a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, has been developed for the prevention and/or treatment of HPV-related diseases including vulval, anal and cervical intraepithelial neoplasias and cervical cancer. TA-CIN is a subunit vaccine comprising L2/E6/E7 proteins from HPV16, designed to generate a strong cellular immune response against HPV-infected cells. A Phase I study showed that TA-CIN is tolerated and immunogenic. In a subsequent Phase II prime boost clinical trial, TA-CIN in combination with the TA-HPV vaccine proved safe and well-tolerated, and some clear clinical responses were demonstrated.
Contact: Dr Theo Balasas, tbalasas@CancerTechnology.com
Further details can be accessed here
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