Project

Spin-off incubation track for the development of tumor environment targeting drugs for highrisk metastatic cancers

Code
F2020/IOF-StepStone/056
Duration
01 September 2020 → 30 September 2023
Funding
Regional and community funding: Industrial Research Fund
Research disciplines
  • Medical and health sciences
    • Drug discovery and development not elsewhere classified
Keywords
Pharma drug development cancer metastasis invasion tumor microenvironment adjuvant cancer-associated fibroblasts chalcone preclinical in vivo efficaciteit mechanism of action
 
Project description

We have discovered, profiled and patented three series of novel anti-invasive small molecules with potential as first-in-class therapeutic agents that in combination with antiproliferative drugs could substantially reduce morbidity and mortality in solid tumours with a high risk of metastasis. The mechanism of action of the compounds has been differentiated from that of compounds under development by others. A broad UGent consortium is focused on the preclinical progression of the current compounds to a point where they present commercial value and could be considered for clinical development. The aim of this Stepstone project is to generate a complementary range of drug discovery assets that will create an investable opportunity for a physical spin-off company capable of progressing our molecules towards the clinic.