Celltech Collaborates With University Of Durham And Oxford Instruments To Pioneer New Magnetotherapy Technology
Celltech Antibody Centre of Excellence, part of UCB, has joined forces with the University of Durham and Oxford Instruments Molecular Biotools Ltd to develop the first UK antibody-targeted magnetotherapy technology; a potentially new approach for cancer therapy. This alliance, which is based on a two-year relationship between the companies, brings into play science that has previously never been used in pharmaceuticals.
Celltech's targeted antibody technology will deliver inert nanoparticles to tumours that subsequently are treated by application of a controlled external magnetic field. Celltech is a pioneer in the area of targeted therapy, developing, through its collaboration with Wyeth, the first antibody targeted chemotherapy medicine (Mylotarg®) in 2000. Targeting reduces damage to healthy tissue, a side effect that is a problem with many current anti-cancer drugs. Recent Celltech innovations include facilitating the production of ultra-potent antibodies in a fraction of the normal time. It is expected that this technology will be deployed in this new partnership.
An interdisciplinary team made up of physicists and chemists, from the University of Durham led by Dr John Evans, will initially concentrate on magnetic particle production and coating. The team has expertise in the fabrication of designer magnetic particles with controllable size, shape and magnetic properties that will be crucial for this application. The scientists are backed by the world-leading resources of two of Durham's strongest science departments and have a rare combination of facilities for the design, production, chemical development and characterisation of the materials that are at the heart of this new technology.
The Oxford Instruments Molecular Biotools team, led by Dr Andy Sowerby, is providing the controlled magnetic environment that initiates the process of cell death or apoptosis of the targeted tumour cell. Oxford Instruments' long experience in the generation of magnetic environments will be key to understanding the forces required and their duration with a variety of different particles to optimise the efficacy of the technique.
Professor Mike Eaton, Celltech Antibody Chemistry Head, said: "I am delighted that we have managed to assemble the best team to drive this ground-breaking, nano-surgery project right from its earliest stages. We have signed a three-way agreement involving the UK leaders in antibody technology, magnetic instruments and nanoparticle design in our quest to explore new opportunities in cancer treatments."
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Topic world Antibodies
Antibodies are specialized molecules of our immune system that can specifically recognize and neutralize pathogens or foreign substances. Antibody research in biotech and pharma has recognized this natural defense potential and is working intensively to make it therapeutically useful. From monoclonal antibodies used against cancer or autoimmune diseases to antibody-drug conjugates that specifically transport drugs to disease cells - the possibilities are enormous
Topic world Antibodies
Antibodies are specialized molecules of our immune system that can specifically recognize and neutralize pathogens or foreign substances. Antibody research in biotech and pharma has recognized this natural defense potential and is working intensively to make it therapeutically useful. From monoclonal antibodies used against cancer or autoimmune diseases to antibody-drug conjugates that specifically transport drugs to disease cells - the possibilities are enormous
