Europroteome receives BMBF grants as part of the BioChancePlus programme

07-Apr-2004

Europroteome AG announces that it has been awarded a research grant as part of the BMBF's new BioChancePlus programme. Project work is to commence in April 2004.

The project is based on research results obtained by the "Max-Planck Research Unit for Enzymology of Protein Folding" in Halle/Saale. Latest findings have revealed that a protein family that has for a long time been associated with the viability of cancer cells and tumours has a hitherto unknown physiological function. This unwanted protein function enables the tumour to survive in situations favourable to the programmed cell death of cells (so-called apoptosis) experiencing uncontrolled growth. For the first time - by switching off this function - it is now possible to inhibit the ability of cancer cells to adapt - and thus to fight tumour development. In an initial stage of the project, a number of natural substances (compounds) have been identified that can switch off the unwanted protein function and thus restrict the viability of cancer cells. These substances are now being investigated for their effect on both healthy and diseased cells. These data form the starting point for producing an optimised active agent. During a later work stage, this active agent is to undergo pre-clinical followed by clinical testing.

According to Ulrich Traugott, MD, PhD, CEO of Europroteome AG: "The collaboration with the Max-Planck Unit in Halle will give Europroteome access to an extremely interesting class of proteins and will provide a starting point for a specific cancer therapy. The collaboration is an outstanding evidence of the effectiveness of our company's Clinical Cancer Network and demonstrates the scientific and commercial potential that lies in the interaction between academia and biotech companies. On the basis of this, we can transfer the leading scientific position of the Max-Planck Research Unit into a promising pharmaceutical development program."

Prof. Gunter Fischer, Managing Director of the Max-Planck Research Unit in Halle and scientific member of the Max-Planck-Society, added: "With the funds available to our Institute, we have been able to make some surprising discoveries about a protein family that is highly interesting from a pharmacological point of view. This protein family has a significant effect on the development of malignant cells. However, in order to develop this discovery so that it can benefit the patient, we are dependent on collaborating with a business enterprise. Europroteome 's strength in combining laboratory findings with clinical evidence is particularly suitable for a successful development work. We look forward to collaborating on the project."

https://www.bionity.com/en/news/36591/europroteome-receives-bmbf-grants-as-part-of-the-biochanceplus-programme.html