On April 24, 2015 NEOMED reported that in collaboration with McGill University, it is embarking on a new drug discovery project that targets cancer (Press release, NEOMED, APR 24, 2015, View Source [SID1234527384]). Executed in collaboration with lead investigator Michael Witcher of the Lady Davis Institute at the Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, the project aims to identify small molecule inhibitors of poly (ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase (PARG) – an enzyme that plays a key role in DNA damage repair and in the transformation of normal cells to cancer cells, promoting their growth and invasive capability. PARG is elevated in cancers of the breast, lungs, prostate, and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The inhibition of PARG aims to repress cancer growth and to sensitize cancer cells to DNA damage therapy.

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"Cancer is a devastating disease that is a major focus of academic and pharmaceutical research. At NEOMED, we’re looking forward to conducting an exciting project together with Dr. Witcher on this important and challenging cancer target," said Kemal Payza, Project Director at NEOMED.

"The collaboration between NEOMED and my lab has been organic from the start," stated Dr. Michael Witcher. "Innovative ideas fly around whenever the team meets, and I am confident this drug discovery program will have major clinical benefits."