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NeoRx Corporation and The Scripps Research Institute Partner on Novel Cancer Treatments

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The partnership between NeoRx Corporation (NERX) and The Scripps Research Institute marks the first collaboration at Scripps Florida, focusing on the discovery of novel, small-molecule, multitargeted, protein kinase inhibitors as therapeutic agents, including cancer treatments. This research alliance will be supported by a $2.5 million grant from NeoRx over 26 months, with the option for the company to secure a worldwide exclusive license to any compounds developed through the collaboration. The partnership aims to leverage the expertise of both parties to identify potential cancer treatments, with a focus on protein kinase inhibitors.

Key Takeaways:

  • The partnership between NeoRx Corporation and The Scripps Research Institute will focus on discovering novel, small-molecule, multitargeted, protein kinase inhibitors as therapeutic agents, including cancer treatments.
  • The research alliance will be supported by a $2.5 million grant from NeoRx over 26 months, with the option for the company to secure a worldwide exclusive license to any compounds developed through the collaboration.
  • NeoRx will provide approximately $140,000 in funding in 2005, in addition to the $2.5 million grant.
  • The partnership will be led by Chris Liang, PhD, director of medicinal chemistry at Scripps Florida, who has extensive experience in the discovery of novel pharmaceuticals for the treatment of cancer, arthritis, and asthma.
  • Liang's previous work at SUGEN, Inc. led to the discovery and development of SUTENT (SU11248), a novel, oral multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, currently in registrational trials with Pfizer for the treatment of advanced cancers.
  • NeoRx's focus on the clinical development of picoplatin, a next-generation intravenous platinum compound, will be complemented by the partnership with Scripps Florida, with the goal of broadening the company's cancer portfolio to include agents with various mechanisms of action.
  • The collaboration reflects NeoRx's experience and focus in oncology, as stated by Thomas J. Pritzker, chairman and cofounder of Bay City Capital and chairman and CEO of The Pritzker Organization.

Statistics:

  • $2.5 million: The amount of funding provided by NeoRx to support the research collaboration with Scripps Florida.
  • 26 months: The duration of the research grant provided by NeoRx to Scripps Florida.
  • $140,000: The estimated funding provided by NeoRx in 2005.
  • 2003: The year in which Pfizer acquired Pharmacia, SUGEN's parent company.
  • 1999: The year in which Pharmacia acquired SUGEN.

Sources:

  • Health & Medicine Week editors (2005)
  • NewsRx.com
  • NeoRx Corporation (NERX)
  • The Scripps Research Institute
  • Scripps Florida
  • Bay City Capital
  • The Pritzker Organization

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