Cancer Research Technology grants exclusive license to Genentech to patent portfolio of an oncology target

Jul 21 2004

Cancer Research Technology announced today that it has entered into a license agreement granting Genentech, Inc. exclusive worldwide rights to its patent portfolio covering an oncology target discovered in the Molecular Oncology Laboratory (Oxford) of Cancer Research UK.

This oncology target was validated through collaboration between Cancer Research UK and CRT's Development Laboratory. Genentech plans to evaluate the potential of protein therapeutics directed to this target.

Harpal Kumar, CEO of CRT, commented, “CRT is delighted to have completed its first licensing partnership with Genentech for a therapeutic target. This partnership further exemplifies CRT's role in bringing benefit to cancer patients by facilitating the development of early-stage opportunities and forming partnerships between cancer researchers and industry to accelerate the development of new therapies. We believe that Genentech is the ideal partner to accelerate this therapeutic opportunity towards the clinic.”

Cancer Research Technology Limited (CRT) is a specialist technology transfer and development company which aims to develop new discoveries in cancer research for the benefit of cancer patients. CRT is wholly owned by Cancer Research UK, the largest independent funder of cancer research in the world. CRT works closely with leading international cancer scientists and their institutes to protect intellectual property arising from their research and to establish links with commercial partners. CRT facilitates the discovery, development and marketing of new cancer therapeutics, vaccines, diagnostics and enabling technologies.

CRT is unique amongst technology transfer organisations in having access to its own Development Laboratory, with core competences in molecular and cellular biology, drug discovery, early pharmacology and medicinal chemistry. The laboratory plays a key role within CRT in adding value to a scientist's initial invention, enhancing its potential for commercialization.