Cancer Research Technology (CRT), Cancer Research UK's technology development arm, has signed a multi-project alliance agreement with Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (TEVA) to research and develop new cancer drugs, which will help in modulating DNA damage and repair response (DDR) processes in cancer cells.
DDR creates an in-built antidote to the toxic effects of the anti-tumor drug to protect cancer cells from the damaging effect of chemotherapy.
Both the firms have established a new hub of expertise in DDR-related basic, translational, and clinical research which would help in the development of new treatment options.
The new hub will provide foundations for both CRT's and Teva's work towards developing novel therapies based on DDR-related targets for the treatment of cancer.
The hub is based on Cancer Research UK's network of UK universities as well as its five cancer research institutes including Gray Institute, Oxford; Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute; London Research Institute; Paterson Institute, Manchester; and the Beatson Institute, Glasgow.
Under the deal, Teva will have the opportunity to research and develop selected and differentiated novel treatments targeting DDR processes.
The deal will also focus on mechanisms and molecular targets related to the emergence of therapeutic resistance in cancer cells as well as open up the potential to expand the clinical utility and therapeutic effectiveness of Teva's current portfolio of oncology chemotherapeutic agents.
Additionally, CRT will receive research funding and will be eligible to receive milestone payments, and royalties on projects advancing through Teva's drug pipeline.
