London, 21st May 2003
Collaboration announced between Cancer Research Technology Ltd., the University of Newcastle and OSI Pharmaceuticals (UK) Ltd. on selected targets in cancer
Cancer Research Technology Ltd. (CRT), the technology transfer arm of the charity Cancer Research UK, and the University of Newcastle, both based in the UK, were pleased to recently disclose that a new alliance with the US and UK-based biotechnology company OSI Pharmaceuticals (UK) had recently commenced and was expected to accelerate the validation of certain new targets for cancer therapeutic intervention.
This exciting collaboration will enable the development of selective and potent modulators of protein acetylation and evaluate their potential as inhibitors of tumour cell growth. Furthermore, the co-funded research programme may also enable the discovery and validation of other targets against which new drugs can be screened in the fight against cancer.
The research funding that had enabled developments in this field at the University of Newcastle to progress to this stage predominantly stemmed from Cancer Research UK who are continuing to support the programme. CRT was happy to act on Cancer Research UK's behalf to secure the fast track development of this exciting work regarding the potential discovery of new compounds with a partner who has a proven track record of taking such compounds that act on new cancer-specific signal transduction pathways in to the clinic.
Such a collaboration may help scientists to understand why certain cancer patients become resistant to currently available therapies.
Notes to editors:
The University of Newcastle
The University of Newcastle is a world class research lead educational institution located in the North East of England. It has an internationally acclaimed research community. The University has a particular research strength in oncology, which is largely focussed within the Northern Institute for Cancer Research (NICR). The NICR at Newcastle is a multidisciplinary oncology institute with world class biomedical science, medicinal chemistry and clinical expertise working collaboratively to take new cancer therapies from bench to bedside. It has an outstanding reputation for research in the field and has attracted numerous programme grants from funding bodies such as Cancer Research UK, the Leukaemia Research Fund and the National Cancer Research Institute. It is also actively engaged on a number of successful collaborative projects with the Pharmaceutical Industry.
For further information please contact Dr Kay Callaghan by email on kay.callaghan@ncl.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:
Simon Youlton
Senior Business Manger
Cancer Research Technology Limited
Sardinia House
Sardinia Street
London WC2A 3NL
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)20 7269 3640
Fax: +44 (0)20 7269 3641
Email: syoulton@cancertechnology.com
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