Celltech to collaborate with J&J on cancer
Johnson & Johnson is to collaborate with Celltech on the development of a novel class of orally-active compounds for the treatment of cancer.
The compounds are potent, selective inhibitors of the enzyme KDR kinase, which is involved in the regulation of the formation of new blood vessels in tumours. The compounds have shown promision preclinnical activity, delaying or reducing tumour growth in a number of models.
The company says this antiangiogenic approach to cancer therapy may have improved side-effect profiles and reduced drug resistance in comparson with current cytotoxic drugs.
J&J is to support further research at Celltech, and will be responsible for all costs associated with worldwide development and commercialisation.