Marie Curie Cancer Care and Cancer Research Technology extend relationship for cancer patient benefit

Nov 2 2004

Cancer Research Technology Limited (CRT), the specialist oncology focussed technology transfer and development company, today announced the completion of a Technology Transfer Agreement with Marie Curie Cancer Care, one of the largest cancer charities in the UK.

Under the terms of this agreement CRT has been granted an exclusive option to assist in the development and commercialisation of any cancer related discoveries arising from the Marie Curie Research Institute (MCRI), the research institute which is part of Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Dr Peter O’Hare, Director of the MCRI, said of this agreement. “This new agreement enhances our ongoing relationship with CRT. With MCRI research expertise in key areas of cancer biology and the expertise of CRT in technology development and commercialisation, together we aim to maximise opportunity for research to bring benefit to cancer patients.”

This agreement positively expands their existing relationship, in part by enabling the MCRI to work directly with CRT’s Development Laboratory.

CRT is distinctive amongst technology transfer organisations in having its own development laboratory, with core competences in molecular and cellular biology, drug discovery, medicinal chemistry and early pharmacology. The laboratory plays a key role within CRT in adding value to a scientist’s initial invention, enhancing its potential for commercialisation and therefore cancer patient benefit.

The Marie Curie Research Institute specialises in cutting-edge research. Scientists work right at the boundaries of our existing knowledge, seeking to find out more about the cellular mechanisms responsible for the development of cancer. Their work may identify novel anti-cancer targets, or completely new therapeutic strategies– but further development is needed to convert experimental results into therapies that can be used in the clinic.

Dr Keith Blundy, CRT’s Chief Operating Officer added: “The signing of this Technology Transfer Agreement marks a significant and exciting milestone in our relationship with Marie Curie Cancer Care. Both organisations are united in their mission of seeking cancer patient benefit and CRT looks forward to joining forces with scientists at the MCRI to achieve this.”