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Projects developing the next generation of cancer therapeutics
Swansea University’s Reproductive Biology and Gynaecological Oncology (RBGO) group, together with a leading group of life science industry partners, are delivering a programme of work to develop the next generation of cancer therapeutics.
Supported by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government, the two integrated projects are enabling businesses to deliver advances through accessing translational research excellence and capabilities in Swansea’s Medical School.
RBGO are leading two major SmartExpertise projects: The Cluster for Epigenomic and ADC Therapeutics (CEAT) valued at £4.9M and ReNeuron, IgInnovations and Swansea University development of Exosomes (RISE) valued at £2.5M.
Through the CEAT project, RBGO and multinational players Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK), Cytiva and Bruker, with UK-based partners Porvair Sciences Ltd, Axis Bio and recently BiVictriX, have worked collectively to advance epigenetic and ADC-based ovarian cancer therapeutics. To date, partners have developed screening platforms for new drug candidates and identified multiple epigenetic compounds effective against this disease. With recent additional investment from industrial partners and the Welsh European Funding Office, the project will now carry out further developments in both areas including the preclinical testing of novel ADCs.
The opportunity offered by CEAT has led to growth within the cluster, with Welsh SME Bivictrix Therapeutics having recently joined the project. Tiffany Thorn, CEO of Bivictrix, said: “CEAT presented a clear opportunity for Bivictrix, providing mutual benefit to ourselves and the partners. The project has given us access to the depth of expertise and highly specialised equipment required to assess our portfolio of precision drugs for further development. At the same time we are able to bring our own capabilities to the cluster, which has opened up opportunities
Swansea University’s Reproductive Biology and Gynaecological Oncology (RBGO) group
for CEAT partners to test and validate their ADC development pipeline.”
The RISE project has also grown in profile in recent months. RISE is a collaboration between RBGO and two innovative Welsh businesses – Bridgend-based company ReNeuron and IgG innovations (part of the Abbott group) in Ceredigion. Through the RISE project, partners have access to a specialised range of facilities and expertise available through the University and via reciprocal technology transfer between the two businesses. This is delivering increased productivity, R&D capacity, and the ability to translate discoveries into high-value products and services.
Since project initiation, RISE partners have developed novel methods to analyse the therapeutic efficacy of proprietary exosomes. Having received additional investment, researchers on the project will carry out further preclinical exosome validation and streamline the development process.
Dr. Paul Hole, Principal Investigator at ReNeuron, said: “The durable and cooperative approach of the RISE project is helping us undertake the fundamental research needed to transform our library of therapeutic exosomes to clinically viable products. This type of innovation and discovery is only possible through projects such as RISE, which enable us to build relationships with trained researchers and specialists to support our innovative efforts.”
“Research plays a crucial role in advancing our knowledge about disease, improving healthcare and ultimately improving outcomes for people in Wales. By focusing on prevention and helping to combat ovarian cancer, these projects will help us deliver effective, high-quality and sustainable healthcare, which will help improve people’s lives.” Vaughan Gething
Economy Minister Welsh Government
To find out more about how CEAT and RISE industrial partners are benefitting from these collaborations, join us on the 29th September 2021 for industry showcase. Keep an eye on our Twitter feed (@RBGO_SwanseaUni) for more information and announcements.
