Cyprotex in cancer preclinical agreement
Cyprotex has entered into a preclinical agreement with Avidex, the Oxford-based company that develops products for cancer and autoimmunity. The objective of the agreement is to optimise a successful candidate drug that inhibits the interaction of CD80 with CD28 on T cells and blocks T cell activation.
Cyprotex will provide all the technologies and expertise necessary to evaluate and optimise the pre-clinical properties of Avidex's small molecule lead compounds.
Commenting on the collaboration, Dr David Leahy, cso of Cyprotex, said: 'This project is recognition of the value of our integrated approach that addresses the major issues regarding the behaviour of drugs in the human body that will aid the selection of the best lead candidate. We are pleased to be working with Avidex and look forward to applying our extensive technology and expertise to the development of an exciting new product.'
Dr David McGibney, director of drug discovery & development at Avidex, said: 'We have selected Cyprotex to facilitate our development programme because we know they can provide the essential insight that is central to the continuation of our CD80 antagonist programme.'