Oncology-focused drug discovery collaboration

The drug discovery programme focuses on the development of small molecule inhibitors of an undisclosed kinase.

The collaboration builds on a series of validated hit compounds possessing relevant cell-based activity, identified by leading Fox Chase research scientists.

Hit to lead studies to optimise potency and drug-like characteristics of the compounds will be performed in CRT's development laboratories located in London, UK.

Novel small molecule inhibitors generated by CRT's medicinal chemists will be characterised in specialised secondary biological assays at Fox Chase.

Larry Steranka, managing director of CRT said: "We are delighted to form this exciting partnership with Fox Chase.

"This is the first US-academic relationship to be announced by CRT and builds on the existing relationships established by CRT".

Frances Galvin, assistant director, business development of Fox Chase said: "Our relationship with CRT is essential to bringing these inhibitors from the hits to leads.

"They have been excellent to work with and I encourage other US academic institutions to consider partnering with them".

Under the terms of the collaboration agreement CRT will be responsible for the commercialisation of the small molecule inhibitors and associated intellectual property rights arising from the discovery programme.

Revenues generated following commercialisation will be shared between the parties.