Melbourne-based Starpharma (ASX: SPL, OTCQX: SPHRY) has announced an extension to its existing collaboration agreement with AstraZeneca to commence scale up of a dendrimer enhanced oncology molecule ('DEP conjugate) for further development.
During 2014, Starpharma and UK-based global pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca conducted a series of studies in which the DEP drug delivery technology was used to modify a development candidate from AstraZeneca’s cancer pipeline.
According to a statement from Starpharma, the program has been successful with key enhancements for the DEP conjugate now having been demonstrated by AstraZeneca in animal models.
"Based on these results AstraZeneca is now conducting further pre-clinical studies with a view to subsequent commencement of clinical trials, if results of the current work continue to be positive," the company said.
“We are delighted that the DEP conjugate has performed so well in extensive testing by AstraZeneca over the last year or so,” said Dr Jackie Fairley, Chief Executive Officer of Starpharma.
“The collaboration has been a very productive one and AstraZeneca has been a tremendous partner. We look forward to working closely with them through the next stage of the program as the DEP conjugate is advanced for further development and clinical studies.”
Andrew Potts, Project Director representing AstraZeneca's Pharmaceutical Development organisation, said: "Combining the great science that's happening in our labs with the most innovative biotech science is an essential part of our plans to deliver the next generation of medicines. This collaboration will enable us to further harness the DEP technology supporting our plans to accelerate evaluation of a novel molecule within our oncology portfolio.’’