Yorkshire Cancer Research funds university spin-out

YORKSHIRE Cancer Research (YCR) has further invested an undisclosed sum in research and development-stage company Adjuvantix.

The Sheffield-based firm has a number of programmes centered on the development of therapeautic vaccines against cancer using its proprietary ADX40 adjuvant.

ADX40 has shown to be active in immuncompetent systems and in situation where the immune system is less functional, such as cancer.

This could mean that ADX40 could significantly improve therapeutic cancer vaccines by making them more effective or providing benefit to sufferers with fewer treatments.

Dr Paul Jenkins, chief executive for Adjuvantix, said: “Given one of Adjuvantix’s main areas of focus is on developing vaccines against cancer, we are delighted to be able to work with Yorkshire Cancer Research to advance our products through development.

“The charity has proven to be an excellent partner that has a deep understanding of cancer management and the development of new products to prevent and treat cancer.”

Morgan Williams, the commercial and clinical development officer for Yorkshire Cancer Research, added: “YCR is very keen to support projects that have the potential to deliver benefit to cancer patients.

The work being undertaken by Adjuvantix if successful will fill an unmet clinical need. Success for Adjuvantix will deliver benefit for patients in this important area of cancer vaccine delivery.”

Recently Adjuvantix announced its alliance with York-based Pro-Cure Therapeutics to develop a novel prostate cancer vaccine.

Adjuvantix was founded as a Sheffield University spin-out in 1999 to commercialise its founder Professor Heath’s research work.

The firm is also funded by White Rose Technology Seedcorn Fund and Fusion IP.