GlaxoSmithKline and Cancer Research Technology agree new alliance

GlaxoSmithKline has announced a new collaboration with Cancer Research Technology – the commercial arm of Cancer Research UK – and the University of Manchester.

The agreement will see the organisations working together to generate new cancer drugs in the field of epigenetics, which involves the study of molecular modifications that cause changes to gene activity in cancer cells without altering DNA sequences.

Starting materials for the project will be provided by GlaxoSmithKline, which will retain exclusive option rights to molecules discovered under the collaboration. Cancer Research Technology will receive milestone-based payments and a right to develop any molecules GlaxoSmithKline rejects.

Dr Phil L'Huillier, Cancer Research Technology's director of business development, said: "This important agreement with GlaxoSmithKline brings a fresh opportunity to tap into the most exciting areas of emerging cancer biology and to develop new compounds and different approaches to stop cancer progressing."

This comes after GlaxoSmithKline announced a new collaboration with Pfizer last month to create a new combination therapy for metastatic melanoma.