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Medivir, UK’s Cancer Research Technology partner for new cancer drugs

Swedish pharmaceutical firm Medivir and Cancer Research Technology (CRT) have unveiled plans to develop new class of drugs that has shown promise for a range of cancers, including pancreatic cancer.

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Both the parties will conduct a two-year research program for the development of small molecules targeting the cell surface protein ADAM8, which has been linked to tumor survival, cell invasion and metastasis.

The clinical trials conducted in mice with pancreatic cancer have shown that inhibiting ADAM8 prevented the spread of the disease, shrunk tumors and significantly extended lifespan.

According to researchers, this effect is because of the protein’s role in cell adhesion, cell migration, inflammation and the growth of blood vessels, all key processes for tumour growth and development.

Medivir CEO Niklas Prager said: "This collaboration is a demonstration of our commitment to advance oncology drug discovery at Medivir and we are pleased to partner with such a renowned institution such as Cancer Research UK, and with Professor Bartsch, a leading researcher in the field."

As part of the deal, Medivir will secure an exclusive, global license to research, develop, manufacture and commercialize ADAM8 inhibitor drugs resulting from development.

The deal will see CRT receive an upfront payment and future success milestones as well as royalties on sales which are shared with the academic collaborators.

Medivir will conduct the research in collaboration with TransMIT head of the TransMIT-Project Division for Research in Neuro-Oncology Professor Jörg Bartsch.

Cancer Research Technology chief executive officer Dr Keith Blundy said: "Medivir’s significant expertise in protease inhibitor design coupled with CRT’s proven track record in drug development will hopefully pave the way for an exciting new class of drugs for treating cancer.

"Exploratory studies indicate that ADAM8 is an attractive target across many types of cancer, and potentially other diseases driven by inflammation, and we look forward to further exploring that promise through this innovative collaboration."


Image: Medivir and CRT will conduct a two-year research program to develop new cancer drugs. Photo: courtesy of Michelle Meiklejohn/ freedigitalphotos.net.