Research excellence at Umeå University leads to cancer treatment pact
NEWS
The London-based cancer drug company Antisoma has licensed rights to Betagenon, a company created on the basis of research from Umeå University, for the development of cancer treatment.
”This is an example of excellence in research at Umeå University,” said university vice-chancellor Göran Sandberg. “We are proud and elated that one of our areas of excellence in research can deliver such a spinoff-effect. This is a brilliant example of how outstanding fundamental research can create knowledge and products that serve the interests of society.”
Betagenon is a company that has its origins in the basis of research at Umeå University. The company has a focus on the development of pharmaceutical products within type 2 diabetes and obesity related diseases. The Umeå based company has developed a series of small molecules that activate AMPK. AMPK is best known as a target in diabetes. Betagenon has shown that AMPK activators also have significant potential in cancer treatment, and has established a leading position in this novel application of the drugs.
Betagenon's Chief Executive Officer, Olof Karlsson, said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with Antisoma on our AMPK programme. We are confident that we have chosen a partner with the ability to advance our promising compounds rapidly and effectively in cancer.”
Antisoma’s Chief Executive Officer, Glyn Edwards, said: “Betagenon’s AMPK activators are another promising addition to our preclinical oncology portfolio. They fit with our strategy of acquiring a diverse range of novel and class-leading preclinical compounds with potential to add value to our clinical pipeline in the future.”
The collaboration also establishes that Betagenon has made a major breakthrough in the industry. “This is somewhat of a quality stamp,” said Olof Karlsson. “Antisoma’s evaluations have displayed that we are highly trusted as a company and research partner. We are one of the few Swedish companies in recent years to sign an agreement with a biopharmaceutical company.”
About Betagenon:
Betagenon was founded in Sepetember 2001. Its goal is to become one of the leading companies in the discovery and early stage development of novel, safe and effective therapies for treatment of obesity-related disorders including type 2 diabetes, fatty liver, disorders linked to hyperinsulinemia, and various forms of cancer. Betagenon´s research and development is based in modern laboratory facilities at Uminova Science Park in Umeå, Sweden and the company has its main office in Stockholm. The company has carefully built an efficient organisation that today employs 17 people and that encompass biology, chemistry drug design and preclinical testing.
AMPK is involved in a number of pathways that are important in cancer. Activation of AMPK by Betagenon’s agonists down regulates mTOR and EF2 and suppresses lipid synthesis in tumour cells. This has been associated with significant cancer cell-killing activity in vitro and anti-tumour activity in animal models.
Background on Antisoma:
Antisoma, which has its main offices in London, UK, is a biotechnology company that specialises in new drug products for the treatment of cancer. Antisoma’s strategy is to acquire promising early-stage drug candidates from academic and commercial institutions around the world, to manage the development of these drugs through preclinical testing and clinical trials, and to bring them to the market.
