CRT, Newcastle University and Kudos Advance DNA-PK Research with a New Licence
Friday 15 May, 2009; London, UK - Cancer Research Technology Limited (CRT) has licensed the rights to its DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK)* inhibitor programme to collaboration partner KuDOS Pharmaceuticals Ltd (KuDOS) - a wholly owned subsidiary of AstraZeneca. The deal will see significant extra investment into the Newcastle University programme for further development of drugs that inhibit DNA-PK.
DNA-PK plays a key role in the cellular repair-response to DNA damage caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments. This response often means treatments are less effective, so finding drugs that inhibit DNA repair could lead to a better outcome for patients. Results from earlier work at Newcastle University, funded by the charity Cancer Research UK, and KuDOS show that in laboratory studies the use of DNA-PK inhibitors could increase the efficacy of current chemotherapy and radiotherapy regimes.
The research is a key component of Cancer Research UK’s Drug Discovery Programme at Newcastle University directed by Professors Roger Griffin and Herbie Newell. Professor Nicola Curtin and Dr Celine Cano will head-up this study in collaboration with KuDOS. Professor Curtin said: “This exciting project will enable us to continue our work with KuDOS to rapidly progress DNA-PK inhibitors from this programme into clinical development.”
As part of the two year collaboration agreement announced today, KuDOS has exercised an earlier option to a portfolio of intellectual property. The company will also receive an exclusive worldwide licence to develop the intellectual property arising from the continued programme. Both will be in return for upfront, milestone and royalty payments that will be shared between CRT and Newcastle University.
Dr Niall Martin, head of KuDOS, said: “This agreement builds on a very effective research collaboration we have had for a number of years with the Newcastle group, helping us identify and prepare exciting new drugs for clinical trials in the future. As part of this agreement, we will invest in three more full-time posts in Newcastle which will be dedicated to the project, and see further backing from Cancer Research UK and Newcastle University in addition to ongoing work in KuDOS and AstraZeneca - ensuring significant expansion of the research.”
Dr Phil L’Huillier, CRT’s director of business management, said: “It’s very exciting to combine efforts with commercial partners to progress early stage scientific discoveries such as DNA-PK, which have the potential to improve cancer treatments of the future. Today’s agreement provides a very strong commitment to the development of this extremely encouraging work.”
ENDS
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Notes to editors:
*DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) is a member of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase related kinase (PIKK) family of protein serine and threonine kinases.
CRT was instrumental in the formation of KuDOS, now a wholly owned subsidiary of AstraZeneca. The company was created to develop Cancer Research UK funded science led by Professor Steve Jackson at the University of Cambridge. The company focuses its drug discovery on the DNA damage repair pathways and a key programme is the development of inhibitors of the enzyme PARP for the treatment for BRCA deficient breast and ovarian tumours. This is an example of the new generation of cancer treatments where molecularly targeted cancer drugs are administered to specific patient groups.
About KuDOS Pharmaceuticals Limited
KuDOS Pharmaceuticals Ltd (KuDOS) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AstraZeneca. AstraZeneca acquired KuDOS in February 2006. KuDOS research is focused on the discovery of small molecules to treat cancer in the area of DNA Damage Response.Further information can be found at www.kudospharma.co.uk.
About Newcastle University
Newcastle University, which has more than 18,000 students and almost 5,000 staff, is among the UK's leading research and teaching universities. It is a member of the Russell Group of 20 research-intensive universities and counts cancer research among its major international strengths. It is a partner in Newcastle Science, an initiative launched by Gordon Brown to strengthen regional knowledge economies.
Cancer Research Technology
Cancer Research Technology Limited (CRT) is a specialist commercialisation and development company, which aims to develop new discoveries in cancer research for the benefit of cancer patients. CRT works closely with leading international cancer scientists and their institutes to protect intellectual property arising from their research and to establish links with commercial partners. CRT facilitates the discovery, development and marketing of new cancer therapeutics, vaccines, diagnostics and enabling technologies. 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 Cancer Research UK
• Together with its partners and supporters, Cancer Research UK's vision is to beat cancer.
• Cancer Research UK carries out world-class research to improve understanding of the disease and find out how to prevent, diagnose and treat different kinds of cancer.
• Cancer Research UK ensures that its findings are used to improve the lives of all cancer patients.
• Cancer Research UK helps people to understand cancer, the progress that is being made and the choices each person can make.
• Cancer Research UK works in partnership with others to achieve the greatest impact in the global fight against cancer.
• For further information about Cancer Research UK's work or to find out how to support the charity, please call 020 7121 6699 or visit www.cancerresearchuk.org.uk.
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