Abbott and EpiTherapeutics ally on epigenetic oncology

Abbott is entering into a three-year collaboration with EpiTherapeutics in the field of epigenetic oncology.

Under the terms of the agreement, the companies will conduct research into developing new anti-cancer drugs via the production of small-molecule inhibitors against selected epigenetic targets.

Cancer epigenetics is seen as a promising emerging research area and involves the analysis of inherited changes driven by the differential expression of genes through mechanisms other than underlying DNA sequence alterations.

EpiTherapeutics will receive an initial payment and funding support for its research, as well as milestone fees depending on the future commercial success of any products developed.

Dr James Sullivan, vice-president for pharmaceuticals discovery at Abbott, said: "Abbott's oncology research is focused on the discovery and development of targeted, less toxic therapies that work against the processes cancers need to survive."

Earlier this month, Abbott published positive phase II clinical trial data for a new therapy option designed for multiple myeloma patients.