KuDOS agrees continued access to DNA repair technology

KuDOS Pharmaceuticals has signed agreements with The University of Cambridge and Cancer Research Technology (CRT), the technology transfer company of the charity Cancer Research UK, to ensure continued access to the technology generated in Professor Stephen Jackson's laboratory at the Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute of Cancer and Developmental Biology at the University of Cambridge.

The agreements enable KuDOS' continued access to Professor Jackson's research into DNA repair.

KuDOS is currently developing potent and highly selective small molecule therapies that block DNA repair in cancer cells, making tumours more vulnerable to the fatal DNA-disrupting effects of both radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Such small molecules promise a significant breakthrough in cancer management, particularly in therapy-resistant tumours, which commonly occur and contribute significantly towards poor prognosis.

Recent developments have greatly improved the understanding of the mechanisms used by cells to identify and repair breaks in DNA, and the potential for drugs that target DNA repair in the treatment of a range of human diseases including cancer.

Professor Jackson is the Frederick James Quick Professor of Biology at the Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute of Cancer and Devel-opmental Biology. He is also the founder and chief scientific officer at KuDOS Pharmaceuticals.

Professor Jackson, said: 'We are delighted to continue the commercial relationship between the Univer-sity of Cambridge, CRT and KuDOS. These agreements will facilitate further research into this new and exciting area, and could have a significant impact on the treatment of cancer.'

'Cancer Research UK have for some time sup-ported the high quality research carried out in Prof Jackson's laboratory and CRT was instrumental in the formation of KuDOS, which has rapidly translated this basic science into potential new medicines. These agreements are an extension of the mutually beneficial relationship all three parties continue to enjoy,' said Dr Keith Blundy, coo of CRT.

Dr David Secher, Director of Research Services at the University of Cambridge, said: 'These two agreements between the University of Cambridge/CRT and KuDOS Pharmaceuticals will provide the opportunity to further develop Professor Jackson's substantial research into therapies that can help with cancer treatment and management. Cambridge Enterprise was pleased to negotiate the agreements on behalf of the University and wishes KuDOS further success.'