Cancer Research Technology Ltd. has signed an agreement with Bayer Schering Pharma AG, Germany to evaluate new leptin antagonist peptides as potential experimental treatments initially in the area of gynaecological diseases, including cancer.
Under the terms of the agreement, Bayer Schering Pharma will evaluate the ability of the peptides to switch off the activity of a protein called leptin in a first evaluation phase. After the evaluation period both parties have the option to enter into a license agreement for the technology, the major terms of which have been agreed.
Leptin triggers the growth of different types of cells including endometrial cells and has been linked to angiogenesis – new blood vessel growth. It is hoped that blocking leptin’s action will offer a potential new treatment for a range of cancers and gynaecological diseases.
The leptin antagonists were first developed at the Boston Biomedical Research Institute (BBRI) in the USA by Drs. Paul Leavis and Ruben Gonzalez who have shown that the peptides are effective in blocking the effects of leptin in several diseases.
Cancer Research Technology - through its US subsidiary, CRT Inc – had agreed with BBRI to market and commercialise the technology and also provided support to BBRI for further development of the inhibitors and this agreement represents the successful outcome of these activities.
Larry Steranka, Managing Director of CRT Inc, said: “We’re delighted to have worked alongside BBRI to partner its technology with the right commercial partner to take forward the development of potential new treatments. “We’re looking forward to using our expertise and access to the international community to connect other US institutions with industrial partners and assist in the commercialisation of their technologies.”
Charles Emerson Jr, Director of the BBRI, said: “CRT is an excellent partner to work with and has made a real impact in helping commercialise this project. We look forward to seeing the project progress with our industrial partner and to working with CRT again in the future”.
About CRT Inc.
CRT Inc, the US subsidiary of Cancer Research Technology Ltd, was established in 2006 and is located in Cambridge MA. CRT Inc works with CRT Ltd to license technologies arising from Cancer Research UK funding and also provides oncology-focused technology transfer and development support to leading US not-for-profit research institutions.
Dr Larry Steranka, CRT Inc's Managing Director, was previously the Executive Director of Brandeis University's Office of Technology Licensing, and immediately before that, an Associate Director for Licensing at Harvard University's Office of Technology and Trademark Licensing. Dr Steranka has also held senior positions within major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
About Bayer Schering Pharma
Bayer Schering Pharma is a worldwide leading specialty pharmaceutical company. Its research and business activities are focused on the following areas: Diagnostic Imaging, General Medicine, Specialty Medicine and Women's Healthcare. With innovative products, Bayer Schering Pharma aims for leading positions in specialized markets worldwide. Using new ideas, Bayer Schering Pharma aims to make a contribution to medical progress and strives to improve the quality of life. Find more information at www.bayerscheringpharma.de.
About Boston Biomedical Research Institute
Cancer Research Technology (CRT) is a specialist commercialisation and development company, which aims to develop new discoveries in cancer research for the benefit of cancer patients. CRT works closely with leading international cancer scientists and their institutes to protect intellectual property arising from their research and to establish links with commercial partners. CRT facilitates the discovery, development and marketing of new cancer therapeutics, vaccines, diagnostics and enabling technologies. CRT is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cancer Research UK, the world's leading cancer charity dedicated to saving lives through research. Further information about CRT can be found at www.cancertechnology.com
CRT's discovery laboratories build on exploratory research to create attractive commercial opportunities through collaboration with research institutes worldwide. Therapeutic programmes are then out-licensed for further development following identification of a suitable partner.
© Cancer Research Technology 2012