A*STAR, Debiopharm Team Up To Develop Epigenetic Cancer Target

The Singapore-based Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)'s Experimental Therapeutics Centre (ETC) and the Swiss-based biopharmaceutical company Debiopharm Group signed an exclusive research collaboration to develop oral small molecules targeting a new class of epigenetic modulators. Debiopharm and ETC will co-finance the discovery phase of the project, while Debiopharm will be in charge of development.

Andres McAllister, Debiopharm International's CSO of research and evaluation, said in a statement that the partnership will aim to target tumors with genetic lesions. "The use of epigenetic targets is emerging as an effective and valuable approach for personalized medicine strategies for cancer treatment," he added.

Set up in 2006, ETC's goal is to play an important role in translating early-stage scientific discoveries into practical applications. The center is directed by Alex Matter, M.D., who was also the global head of oncology research for Novartis Pharmaceuticals. 

"This partnership strengthens our presence in Asia in a highly dynamic area for innovation when it comes to the development of new drugs," Rolland-Yves Mauvernay, president and founder of Debiopharm, commented. "Furthermore, this collaboration is in line with our strategy focusing on patients outcomes by offering more targeted oncology therapies."

This article was reprinted from Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (GEN) with permission from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (GEN) has retained its position as the number one biotech publisher around the globe since its launch in 1981. GEN publishes a print edition 21 times a year and has additional exclusive editorial content online, like news and analysis as well as blogs, podcasts, webinars, polls, videos, and application notes. GEN's unique news and technology focus includes the entire bioproduct life cycle from early-stage R&D, to applied research including omics, biomarkers, as well as diagnostics, to bioprocessing and commercialization.