The Bradford spinout will conduct a phase 1 clinical trial for a potential cancer treatment following a $894,000 cancer charity grant.
Incanthera, a Bradford University oncology spinout, has received a £634,000 ($894,000) grant from Yorkshire Cancer Research.
Incanthera is working towards the treatment of solid tumours. Its lead drug candidate, ICT2588, is derived from colchicine, which occurs in the autumn crocus plant and is able to destroy solid cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone.
The money will fund a phase 1 clinical trial of the treatment, which is based on research conducted at Bradford University’s Institute of Cancer Therapeutics in 2011.
Simon Ward, chief executive of Incanthera, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this grant from Yorkshire Cancer Research. Awarding of funds is very competitive and as such this is a great endorsement of Incanthera’s ICT2588 drug, which we are very grateful to receive.
“The funds will contribute greatly to the cost of our first clinical study in patients and will specifically benefit patients across Yorkshire.”
Charles Rowett, chief executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “We are very proud to reveal plans for the first clinical trial of a drug discovered in our region thanks to funding from our charity and other organisations. The trial will bring this innovative treatment one step closer to reaching cancer patients.”
