Eisai and the University of Dundee have entered into a collaboration research agreement regarding Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) toward drug discovery in oncology area.
The partnership combines the world-leading expertise and technology of the Professor Alessio Ciulli laboratory in PROTACs research, with Eisai’s discovery researches and clinical development experiences in oncology area. It will also focus on findings of target protein degradation based on Eisai’s basic research, to aim to create innovative new drugs.
PROTACs consist of two covalently linked protein-binding molecules: one capable of engaging an ubiquitin ligase, and another that binds to a target protein meant for degradation.
The partners hope that research into PROTACs will lead to new drug discoveries for proteins present in cancer, which are difficult to treat with conventional small molecule inhibitors. In this collaboration research, Professor Alessio Ciulli, one of the global pioneers in the field of PROTACs research, at the School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee is responsible for directing the research.
The news comes after Boehringer Ingelheim and the University of Dundee highlighted the success of the PROTAC drug discovery program, and thus extended their ongoing anti-cancer alliance.The collaboration will continue to develop new medicines that target and destroy key cancer causing proteins with Boehringer Ingelheim’s pharmaceutical expertise and commitment to bring innovative medicines to patients with cancer.
If Eisai exercises the options, an upfront, milestone payments, and royalties on sales will be paid.
