MedImmune, the R&D department of pharma giant AstraZeneca, has licensed the rights to develop and test cancer-fighting drugs to Yale spin-out Koltan Pharmaceuticals.
Spun out of the University’s School of Medicine in 2007, the US-based life sciences firm Koltan intends to develop the drug, which has been designed to target a receptor connected to cancers include breast, ovary, colon and lung.
Both companies will have the potential for future cost, risk and profit sharing for the product, which should commence Phase I clinical trials at the start of next year.
Jerry McMahon, Kolltan’s chief executive, said: “This in-licensing opportunity exemplifies our leadership in and focus on receptor tyrosine kinases and their key role in oncology and other serious diseases. Kolltan will apply its extensive scientific expertise and R&D drug development experience to prepare for entry into the clinic, including a focus on patient selection strategies. Kolltan is excited to advance this innovative product candidate into clinical testing for the broad potential treatment of cancer patients where this target plays a role.”
