On September 10, 2003 Antisoma, the biopharmaceutical company specialising in novel anti-cancer drugs, reported that it has in-licensed a programme of telomerase inhibitors from Cancer Research Technology Ltd, the technology transfer arm of the charity Cancer Research UK (Press release, Cancer Research Technology, SEP 10, 2003, View Source [SID1234523458]). This programme was developed by Professor Stephen Neidle, working first at the Institute of Cancer Research and more recently at the University of London School of Pharmacy. Under the licensing agreement, Antisoma has obtained rights to a number of existing molecules and an option on further telomerase inhibitors generated by Professor Neidle’s group over the next three years.

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Telomeres are the protective regions found at the ends of chromosomes (the structures into which the genetic material, DNA, is packaged in each cell of the human body). In normal cells, telomeres act as a ‘life clock’, shortening slightly each time the cell divides. Once the telomeres fall below a critical length, the cell undergoes the self-destruct process known as apoptosis or programmed cell death. This is part of the natural process of cellular ageing and removal of old cells to be replaced by new ones. Cancer cells make an enzyme called telomerase that allows them to maintain their telomeres at a length just sufficient to avoid entering the self-destruct pathway. Telomerase thus enables cancer cells to divide continually and indefinitely, a property fundamental to the progression of the disease. By blocking the action of this enzyme, telomerase inhibitors can prevent the maintenance of telomeres and force cancer cells into apoptosis.

Glyn Edwards, CEO of Antisoma, said ‘Telomerase inhibitors have the potential for broad application against both solid and blood cancers because the telomerase enzyme is important to all types of cancer cell. This programme is an excellent addition to our preclinical portfolio.’