MRC Technology (MRCT) and Cyclofluidic Ltd have announced the successful completion of their collaboration to identify and optimise drug-like molecules with activity against hepsin, a serine protease known to be overexpressed in prostate, breast, kidney, and ovarian cancers and an important target in the fight against cancer.
Pembrolizumab, humanized by MRC Technology, is the the first drug to be approved through the Early Access to Medicine Scheme (EAMS) for treatment of advanced melanoma.
The basic idea behind immunotherapy for cancer is to stimulate the body’s immune system to attack a cancer rather than the drug directly targeting the diseased cells. Antibodies such as Herceptin, for example, direct a specific attack on cancerous breast cells but a new generation of antibody drugs can also mediate this immunotherapy approach.
‘Call for targets’ launched to find new therapeutic concepts for treatment of respiratory disease, including conditions such as allergy, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, and cystic fibrosis.
Dr Edward Bliss appointed in new role of General Counsel and Company Secretary.
MRC Technology and charity partners launched a consortium to uncover promising drugs in pharma libraries that could be developed to treat brain diseases.
MRC Technology has signed an agreement with Diabetes UK to manage its intellectual property (IP). The partnership will enable Diabetes UK to benefit from MRC Technology’s expertise in IP management, translation and drug discovery, allowing the charity to maximise benefits to patients and return on investment from its research portfolio.