Continued commercial development of research into DNA repair

The University of Cambridge, Cancer Research Technology Limited (CRT), the technology transfer company of the charity Cancer Research UK and KuDOS Pharmaceuticals Limited, a leading private oncology company, today announced the establishment of two parallel option agreements for technology generated in Professor Steve Jackson’s laboratory at the the Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute of Cancer and Developmental Biology at the University of Cambridge. The agreements will enable the continued commercial development of Professor Jackson’s research into DNA repair.

KuDOS develops potent and highly selective small molecule therapies that block DNA repair in cancer cells, making tumours more vulnerable to the fatal DNA-disrupting effects of both radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Such small molecules promise a significant breakthrough in cancer management, particularly in therapy-resistant tumours, which commonly occur and contribute significantly towards poor prognosis.

Recent developments have greatly improved the understanding of the mechanisms used by cells to identify and repair breaks in DNA, and the potential for drugs that target DNA repair in the treatment of a range of human diseases including cancer.

Professor Jackson is the Frederick James Quick Professor of Biology at the Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute of Cancer and Developmental Biology. He is also the founder and Chief Scientific Officer at KuDOS Pharmaceuticals, established in 1999 with initial funding from a group comprising Advent, Schroder Ventures and 3i plc.

Professor Steve Jackson, founder and Chief Scientific Officer at KuDOS Pharmaceuticals said:

“We are delighted to continue the commercial relationship between the University of Cambridge, CRT and KuDOS. These agreements will facilitate further research into this new and exciting area, and could have a significant impact on the treatment of cancer.”

Dr David Secher, Director of Research Services at the University of Cambridge said:

“These two agreements between the University of Cambridge/ CRT and KuDOS Pharmaceuticals will provide the opportunity to further develop Professor Jackson’s substantial research into therapies that can help with cancer treatment and management. Cambridge Enterprise was pleased to negotiate the agreements on behalf of the University and wishes KuDOS further success.”

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