London, 18th November 2002
RNA interference explored in a collaboration between a top 5 Pharmaceutical company, Cyclacel Limited, the University of Cambridge and Cancer Research Technology Limited.
Cancer Research Technology Limited ("CRT") and the University of Cambridge (UK) announce today a collaboration with Cyclacel Limited and a top 5 Pharmaceutical company to develop tools for target validation and drug discovery based on the technique of RNA interference.
The term RNA interference ("RNAi") describes the cellular response to double-stranded RNA that results in sequence-driven gene specific silencing. Originally established as an important tool for functional genomics in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and the fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster, the potential for this technology was recently recognised in higher eukaryotes. In late 1999, Dr. Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz and colleagues (Dr. Florence Wianny, Professors David Glover and Martin Evans) at the University of Cambridge (UK) provided the first definitive demonstration of RNAi-mediated inhibition of endogenous genes in mammalian cells. This work in oocytes and early stage embryos sparked a flurry of research in the area, culminating recently in the use of short interfering double stranded RNA (siRNA) to achieve knockdown of a wide range of mammalian genes, and the development of specific vectors to express these effectors.
There are a number of published patents on techniques for performing RNAi, and undoubtedly more applications in the pipeline. CRT is the holder of two key patent applications in the field, one of which relates to the work of Dr. Zernicka-Goetz and colleagues. The second patent filing from CRT covers pSUPER, a vector for long-term expression of RNAi effectors in mammalian cells, developed at the Netherlands Cancer Institute (Amsterdam) in the group of Professor Rene Bernards. CRT is offering licenses to this portfolio of intellectual property, branded the SUPER RNAiTM System, for target validation, drug discovery and therapeutics. Several pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are working with CRT towards generating RNAi-based systems to meet the current demands of the industry for higher throughput analysis of mammalian gene function and rapid production of disease models to aid drug discovery. In addition, CRT is exploring the potential for a new class of therapeutics, using RNAi for the inhibition of genes that are aberrantly expressed in cancers.
The collaboration announced today is funded in part by Cancer Research UK. The partners aim to build on the pioneering work in the Cambridge laboratory, and the recent exciting discoveries in the field, to establish RNAi as a viable tool for transient or persistent gene knockdown in mammalian cells and whole animals (e.g. the mouse). The successful development and optimisation of RNAi in mammalian systems will facilitate gene analysis in the academic laboratory, meanwhile use of this technology for commercial target validation and drug development will accelerate the gene-to-drug process.
Notes to editors:
Cyclacel Limited
Cyclacel is a biopharmaceutical company that designs and develops small molecule drugs that act on key cell cycle regulators to stop uncontrolled cell division in cancer and other diseases involving abnormal cell proliferation. The Company's discovery engines integrate core cell cycle
expertise with a large library of proprietary gene-based targets, state-of-the-art molecular biology and computational chemistry to rapidly deliver new drug candidates. Cyclacel has five research and development programs underway. Most advanced is CYC202, a Cyclin Dependent Kinase (CDK) inhibitor, currently in Phase Ib trials for cancer. CYC202 has also completed a Phase I trial in healthy volunteers and is being explored for use in glomerulonephritis, an inflammatory disease caused by renal cell proliferation. The Company has a corporate alliance with AstraZeneca to develop a specific Cyclin Groove Inhibitor (CGI) for cancer.
Further information about Cyclacel Limited can be obtained from:
Dr Graham Bell
Corporate Development Manager
Polgen Division
Cyclacel Limited
Dundee Technopole
James Lindsay Place
Dundee DD1 5JJ
Scotland
Tel: 01382 206062
The University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is one of the world’s leading research universities. It also has a substantial track record of achievement for collaboration with industry and, increasingly, for commercially exploiting its own inventions. This collaboration at the leading edge of biomedical research provides an excellent example of both.
Further information about the University of Cambridge can be obtained from:
Press and Communications Office,
University of Cambridge,
The Old Schools,
Trinity Lane,
Cambridge CB2 1TN
Tel: 01223 332300
E-mail: ucam-press-office@lists.cam.ac.uk
Cancer Research Technology Limited
Cancer Research Technology (CRT) is a specialist technology transfer company which aims to develop new discoveries in cancer research for the benefit of cancer patients. CRT is owned by the charity, Cancer Research UK. CRT works closely with cancer researchers and their institutes to protect the intellectual property arising from their research and to establish links with commercial partners. CRT facilitates the discovery, development and marketing of new cancer therapeutics and diagnostics.
Further information about Cancer Research Technology can be obtained from:
Dr Phil Elstob
Assistant Business Manager
Cancer Research Technology Limited
5 Alfred Place
London WC1E 7EB
Tel: 020 7291 3600
Email: pelstob@cancertechnology.com
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