The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)'s Experimental Therapeutics Centre (ETC) and Swiss biopharmaceutical firm Debiopharm Group (Debiopharm) have signed an exclusive research collaboration to develop oral small molecules targeting new class of epigenetic modulators.
As part of the deal, Debiopharm and ETC will co-finance the discovery phase of the project, while Debiopharm will be in charge of development.
Debiopharm International chief scientific officer of Research & Evaluation Andres McAllister said the partnership aims to target tumors with genetic lesions.
"The use of epigenetic targets is emerging as an effective and valuable approach for personalized medicine strategies for cancer treatment," McAllister said.
"ETC represents the perfect partner to develop this project as they are experts in the field of oncology and possess the full range of drug discovery capabilities.
"Their situation within the Biopolis campus is a major asset for the development of new products."
Experimental Therapeutics Centre CEO Alex Matter said, "This joint research collaboration will give both partners the opportunity to leverage on each other's strengths, with the objective of creating new and more effective treatments against cancer."
A*STAR's technology transfer division ETPL manages strategic collaborations and deals between academia and industry.
