On December 23, 2009 Cancer Research Technology (CRT) – Cancer Research UK’s commercialisation and development arm – reported it has granted Aura Biosciences Inc. worldwide licence to use its cancer-targeting peptides in delivering cancer treatments directly to the tumour (Press release, Cancer Research Technology, DEC 23, 2009, View Source [SID1234523343]).
Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:
Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing
Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!
These peptides bind to a protein on the surface of the cell called integrin αγβ6, a protein complex that is found at high levels on many tumour cells but is absent in most normal tissues. By seeking out this protein and binding to it, the peptides are able to deliver cancer treatments directly to the site with increased precision and reduced side effects. One of the cancers this could have particular benefit in targeting is pancreatic cancer as these tumours express high levels of integrin αγβ6. Pancreatic cancer is currently very difficult to treat with only around 2 to 3 per cent of patients surviving the disease for five years or more. Recent pre-clinical studies have also shown that these peptides may improve imaging in pancreatic cancer by binding to the αγβ6 *.
This deal strengthens Aura’s investment in the technology and builds on an evaluation agreement between Aura and CRT announced earlier this year**. The peptides were originally developed at Queen Mary, University of London with support from Cancer Research UK and DebRA – who work on behalf of people in the UK with the genetic skin blistering condition Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB).
Under the terms of the agreement, Aura Biosciences will make an upfront payment to CRT as well as providing clinical development milestones and royalties on future sales. Aura will exclusively fund the development work, and have sub-licensing rights on agreed terms.
Dr Elisabet de los Pinos, chief executive of Aura Biosciences said: "This partnership with CRT enables us to make use of their peptide technology as way to deliver our innovative NanosmartTM treatment particles – which are hollow particles made of nano-sized protein shells – to the tumour with increased accuracy. We are delighted with the progress we have already made in developing the technology and are looking forward to progressing it into potential new treatments for cancer."
Dr Phil L’Huillier, CRT’s director of business management said: "These peptides – combined with Aura’s award winning nanotechnology – have the potential to seek out and destroy cancer cells, leaving the surrounding areas unharmed. We believe this technology could have particular strengths in delivering treatments for cancers that have limited treatment options such as pancreatic and head and neck cancer. Crucially this targeted treatment could also reduce the side effects that are commonly associated with standard therapies. We look forward to the results of the programme with great interest."