AstraZeneca and Cancer Research UK launch innovative drug trial

AstraZeneca has allied with Cancer Research UK to launch a clinical trial of a new type of experimental drug that could be effective against multiple cancer variants.

The study of the AZD3965 compound will be undertaken at Cancer Research UK's National Institute of Health Research Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre in Newcastle, plus at least one other clinical centre, with 63 patients to be involved.

AZD3965 targets monocarboxylate transporter 1, which plays a key role in cell metabolism, thus allowing the drug to limit cancer cells' ability to generate energy and decrease their capacity to survive.

Targeting tumour cell metabolism in this way represents a new and previously untested means to treating cancer.

Susan Galbraith, head of the oncology innovative medicines unit at AstraZeneca, said: "AstraZeneca is delighted to be working with Cancer Research UK to investigate the utility of AZD3965, which is aimed to address the needs of cancer sufferers."

Last month, the company announced plans to take three of its new cancer drugs – moxetumomab pasudotox, olaparib and selumetinib – into phase III testing in the coming months.