Redx agrees Canadian cancer drug deal

REDX Pharma, the Liverpool-based early stage drug development company has sealed a deal with a Canadian pharmaceutical firm to further explore one of its cancer treatments.

The deal, for an undisclosed sum will see Redx acquiring the right from Pharmascience Inc to further develop the technology which helps the immune system to recognise and fight cancer.

Pharmasciece program is focused on small molecules that inhibit a receptor in the body called CSF-1R or cFMS which plays an important role in the immune response to cancer.

The license agreement allows Redx to pursue research and development and commercialisation of the Pharmascience program. The program is currently at the lead optimization stage.

Dr Neil Murray, chief executive of Redx Pharma, said: “Helping the immune system to effectively deal with and target cancer cells is an extremely exciting emerging area of science and the cFMS oncology program we have licensed has demonstrated the ability to inhibit tumour growth in animal models.

“By in-licensing this program we are able to both enter this important emerging area of cancer research and advance our overall stage of development as a company.

Dr. Mathieu Boudreau, director of business development and strategic planning of Pharmascience, commented: “Our discovery research team has identified very promising cFMS inhibitor leads and we strongly believe the Redx research team is well positioned to continue the work we have initiated on this project.

“We strongly believe that continued success in our industry will arise through such collaborations and shared efforts.”