Biomarker could lead to new treatment for cancer and Crohn's disease (12/28/2007)

Cambridge Enterprise Limited, the commercialisation office of the University of Cambridge, has completed a licence agreement with Medarex, Inc. for the potential development of a therapeutic drug to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases.

A team from the University identified a cell surface marker that is expressed at high levels in certain cancer cells and in some tissues affected by autoimmune diseases (such as Crohn's disease) but at lower levels in tissues unaffected by disease. This marker could therefore potentially be used as a 'target' for novel antibody based-medicines.

The marker was identified by Professor John Trowsdale, Dr Rob Eagle and Dr Louise Bacon in the University of Cambridge, Department of Pathology.

Professor Trowsdale commented: "Our initial studies on this protein have been fascinating and we are continuing our research on how it functions in health and disease. Meanwhile, we are delighted that Medarex plans to use its technology to generate antibodies to this target, which may lead to the development of novel therapeutics."

Dr Andrew Walsh, Technology Manager at Cambridge Enterprise said: "We are very pleased to have secured this agreement with Medarex. The company's track record in developing antibody based therapies makes them a very attractive licensee."

Medarex is a US based company specialising in the development of fully human antibody therapeutics.

Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by Cambridge University

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