Cronos Therapeutics and Cancer Research Technology announce new anti-cancer drug development collaboration
London, UK, 27 March 2006 - Cronos Therapeutics Limited, a London based biopharmaceutical company, and Cancer Research Technology Limited, the specialist oncology development and commercialisation company owned by Cancer Research UK, today announce that they have entered into an agreement to develop a novel cancer therapy based on Cronos’ GeneICE platform technology.
Developed at Imperial College, London, the GeneICE (Gene Inactivation by Chromatin Engineering) platform is a highly specific epigenetic gene regulation technology, which prevents gene transcription by recruitment of natural cellular gene repressor complexes to target DNA. GeneICE drugs targeted at genes involved in cancer have been shown to be extremely effective in cellular systems, where a single administration has been shown to switch off specific genes.
Under the terms of the agreement, the parties will perform key proof of concept studies investigating the effects of GeneICE drugs that inhibit gene expression of an undisclosed apoptotic target. Importantly, the outcomes of this research will both support the development of this promising new cancer therapy and advance Cancer Research UK-funded research programs investigating the role of apoptosis in tumour progression.
ENDS
For further information:
Cancer Research Technology Limited
Nick Wells, Marketing and Business Manager +44 207 269 3640
nwells@cancertechnology.com
Cronos Therapeutics
Jake Micallef, Chief Operating Officer +44 207 408 5400
jake.micallef@cronostherapeutics.com
About Cronos Therapeutics
Cronos Therapeutics Ltd is a London based biopharmaceutical company established in 2004 to develop novel and groundbreaking classes of diagnostics and therapeutics. The technologies and products are based on its unique and proprietary Hypergenomics and GeneICE platforms for epigenetic analysis and regulation of gene expression.
GeneICE therapeutics offer a high value and exciting opportunity to introduce a completely new and revolutionary class of drugs designed to treat a wide range of diseases by preventing gene activity and production of target proteins. The Company has a preclinical pipeline and lead compounds selected for development. More Information can be found at www.cronostherapeutics.com
About Cancer Research Technology Limited
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
Cancer Research UK is Europe's leading cancer charity, dedicated to research into the causes, prevention and treatment of cancer. The charity supports the work of 3,000 scientists, doctors and nurses in over 80 academic centres across the UK, with an annual scientific spend of more than £217 million. Cancer Research UK is the European leader in the development of novel anti-cancer treatments; from their discovery at the laboratory bench to early clinical trials in cancer patients. Further information about Cancer Research UK can be found at www.cancerresearchuk.org.
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