ANGLE PLC (AIM:AGL, OTCQX:ANPCY), the developer of liquid biopsy technologies, has partnered with AstraZeneca PLC (LSE:AZN) to enhance cancer drug development by 'leveraging' the former's DNA damage response assay.
Specifically, the collaboration will focus on adapting ANGLE's existing Parsortix-based assay for identifying micronuclei in circulating tumour cells (CTCs), a crucial step in studying DNA damage responses.
Ultimately, the assay aims to provide a repeatable, minimally invasive tool for better understanding and targeting tumour-specific DNA repair mechanisms, which could lead to more effective cancer treatments.
Additionally, it holds promise for monitoring how well cancers respond to such therapies, especially when used alongside other treatments. This development could mark a significant step forward in personalized medicine for cancer treatment, reflecting both companies' dedication to innovation in healthcare.
The partnership was formalised through a supplier agreement where ANGLE will develop this innovative methodology at its lab in Surrey. The six-month development phase is worth £150,000 to the company.
"This is ANGLE's second large pharma company agreement of 2024 as we look to drive a significant expansion of the pharma services business," said CEO Andrew Newland.
"It demonstrates the importance of CTC analysis and is a validation of ANGLE's Parsortix system. ANGLE is also working to expand its DDR work with other large pharma customers and continues to generate significant new customer interest through its business development activity."