AstraZeneca today announced that it has entered into a research collaboration with Redx Pharma Limited to discover and develop new molecules targeting a genetic driver of tumour growth and survival. The research will complement AstraZeneca's strategic approach focused on genetic drivers of cancer and mechanisms of resistance to established and novel cancer therapies.
The research collaboration will involve Redx Pharma scientists working with AstraZeneca's Oncology Innovative Medicines group to accelerate the drug discovery process. Redx Pharma will use its early stage drug discovery capabilities to identify novel leads whose further development will be supported by AstraZeneca’s extensive knowledge of the area and strong oncology expertise.
Under the terms of the agreement, Redx Pharma will receive an undisclosed upfront payment. In addition, Redx Pharma is potentially eligible for significant development and commercial milestones, as well as tiered royalties as the programme progresses. AstraZeneca will have the sole rights to further develop and commercialise any programme resulting from the collaboration to add to its portfolio of cancer medicines.
Susan Galbraith, Head of the Oncology Innovative Medicines Unit at AstraZeneca, said: "Collaboration and scientific exchange are at the heart of AstraZeneca's innovation-led strategy. This partnership is based on our own early stage oncology research focused on the genetic drivers of cancer and allows us to build on our combined drug discovery expertise. The co-location of our scientists will facilitate our collaboration. This agreement supports our strategic objectives of accelerating discovery and improving the quality and choice of candidate compounds for our early pipeline."
Neil Murray, Chief Executive of Redx Pharma, said: "We welcome the opportunity to work closely with AstraZeneca–an organisation that has such a strong research focus. This deal represents a significant development for our oncology business–another major transaction and the first time we’ve had an opportunity to work with the Oncology Innovative Medicines Unit at AstraZeneca. The project is a good fit for both parties and builds on Redx’s strong track record in rapidly developing novel drugs in cancer."
Redx Pharma was one of the first tenants at the BioHub at Alderley Park in Cheshire, set up by AstraZeneca in 2013 to allow life sciences companies to benefit from Alderley Park's scientific heritage and state-of-the-art research facilities. As part of the collaboration, AstraZeneca and Redx scientists will work together at Alderley Park, as well as at Redx's Liverpool facility where the project will be based.
Susan Galbraith added: "This collaboration demonstrates the value of the BioHub and the open, collaborative environment that has been created at Alderley Park. It also illustrates AstraZeneca's continued commitment to supporting science in the UK, building on our many existing collaborations with organisations across academia and industry."
About Redx Pharma
The Redx Pharma group is focused on early stage drug discovery and development programmes at sites in Liverpool (Redx Oncology) and at Alderley Park, Cheshire (Redx Anti-infectives). Redx's pre-clinical licensing model is focused on fulfilling the needs of large and mid-sized pharma companies for new pipeline compounds. The company's research is targeted in areas such as cancer stem cells, tumour immunology and anti-microbial resistance. Redx completed its first major collaboration agreement with the Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals Trust in November 2013 to work together on new drugs to combat the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.
About the Alderley Park BioHub
AstraZeneca established the BioHub at its Alderley Park site in Cheshire in May 2013. This site was sold to Manchester Science Parks (MSP), a Greater Manchester based public-private partnership and science park operator, in March 2014. The BioHub was set up to allow pharmaceutical and life science companies to take advantage of the world class facilities available at the site, while operating entirely independently. The BioHub is managed by BioCity, a leading bioscience incubator.
About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines, primarily for the treatment of cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory, inflammation, autoimmune, oncology, infection and neuroscience diseases. AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide.