London, 6th August 2003
Cancer Research Technology, London announces an exclusive license with GlaxoSmithKline for rights to an Oral Drug Bioavailability patent assigned from the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam
Cancer Research Technology Ltd. (CRT), the technology transfer arm of the charity Cancer Research UK, and the technology transfer agent for the Netherlands Cancer Institute (NCI) in Amsterdam, disclosed today that it recently entered into a license agreement granting GlaxoSmithKline exclusive worldwide rights to CRT’s Patent Application WO 00/69390 (the Patent). The Patent covers technology relating to a novel target that enhances the oral bioavailability of certain cytotoxic oncology drugs, including topotecan. The terms of the Agreement remain confidential.
The Patent was initially filed by the NCI and is based upon the work of Professor Jan Schellens and Dr Alfred Schinkel. They showed that inhibition of a transporter protein from the family of transporters containing known multi-drug resistance proteins, could also be targeted to enhance the uptake of oncology drugs such as topotecan when orally administered.
Cancer Research Technology stated that it was happy to act as a conduit for the development of this important finding and hopes the Patent’s technology will eventually bring benefit to cancer patients worldwide. CRT initially undertook to cover the costs of the patent prosecution while the technology was being developed and CRT looked for a suitable commercial licensee.
Notes to editors:
The Netherlands Cancer Institute
The Netherlands Cancer Institute / Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital (NKI / AvL) is a comprehensive cancer institute, integrating research laboratories and a specialized oncologic hospital under one roof in a single independent organization.
The laboratory covers all major areas of cancer research, with special emphasis on mouse tumor models, mouse (reverse) genetics, cancer cell biology, and translational research requiring close collaboration between clinical and basic scientists. The hospital comprises 180 beds, a large Radiotherapy Department and outpatient clinics. Facilities for clinical research include a strong patient database and clinical data management, and active research groups in epidemiology and psychosocial oncology.
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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