CRT and University of Copenhagen announce agreement with ADC Therapeutics to develop antibody treatments for cancer
The antibodies target an overexpressed protein on the surface of some cancer cells, which is not expressed on healthy cells
Cancer Research Technology (CRT) and The University of Copenhagen have signed a deal with Switzerland-based ADC Therapeutics (ADCT) to license antibodies against a cancer-specific cell surface protein.
The antibodies will be used by ADCT to develop a novel antibody drug conjugate (ADC) that could potentially treat a range of cancers.
The antibodies — jointly developed by Cancer Research UK and the University of Copenhagen scientists — target an overexpressed protein on the surface of some cancer cells, which is not expressed on healthy cells.
ADCT intends to incorporate the antibodies into a novel ADC therapeutic using its proprietary linker and pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBD) cytotoxic warhead technology. The antibodies are expected to selectively target the PBD cytotoxic to cancer cells, sparing normal tissue.
Thomas Bjørnholm, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, the University of Copenhagen, said: ‘We are very pleased and proud that research from the University’s Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences has been licensed to ADCT for the development of new cancer therapeutics. Our mission as a public university is to make sure that our leading-edge research is disseminated and is taken to the market, together with commercial partners, for the benefit of society at large.’
Dr Keith Blundy, Cancer Research Technology’s Chief Executive, said: ‘This important license deal brings together CRT’s access to world class research and ADCT’s cutting edge technology to develop exciting new therapeutics for cancer. We hope this agreement will pave the way for promising new ways to treat a range of cancers in a targeted way without damaging healthy tissue.’