The Centre for Drug Research and Development (CDRD) and the BC Cancer Agency (BCCA) have declared that Champions Oncology has used an option to license Irinophore C, a liposomal formulation of Irinotecan.
This development is the second technology licensing developed jointly by a CDRD-affiliated institution and CDRD, and the first between CDRD and BCCA.
Irinophore C is a lipid-based nanoparticle developed by integrating the irinotecan payload inside it with an in house method devised by BCCA researchers. The compound is completing pre-lab development and will start clinical testing as a single agent in patients with advanced solid tumors in the fourth quarter of 2011. The technology could reduce the clinical dose limiting gastrointestinal toxicity related to Camptosar.
Champions has tested Irinophore C with its Tumorgraft translational technology platform confirming its efficacy and safety in multiple tumor types. Dr. Patrick Rebstein, associate director, Technology Development Office, Provincial Health Services Authority said that the CDRD support helped toxicology trials.
The project also received funds from CDRD through the Pfizer-CDRD Innovation Fund, set up to accelerate the commercialization of educational research programs into high-value medicines.
Source: http://www.cdrd.ca