Frontier IP Group Plc (LON:FIPP) investee company ex scientia is teaming up with Germany’s Evotec discover the next wave of immuno-oncology drugs that use the body’s immune system to attack the killer disease.
The two will use Dundee-based ex scientia’s algorithmic design platform to identify candidates.
Researchers are screening for bispecific small molecules, which are capable of binding to two different targets rather than one.
The focus initially will be cancer-related adenosine targets, which are recognised to play important roles in the emerging field of immuno-oncology.
Combining these adenosine-based mechanisms with other targets “holds great promise in boosting efficacy and addressing larger patient populations through a single small molecule drug”, Evotec said in press release.
Andrew Hopkins, chief executive of ex Scientia, hailed the tie-up with the Germans.
"This is an ideal partnership to develop an innovative immuno-oncology portfolio where our focus is on delivering efficacious drug candidates to tackle the inherent challenges of the complex biology,” he said.
“Evotec have an excellent track record in project delivery and their proven track record in regarding efficiency gains in drug discovery chime with our own."