The transaction represents the second successful licensing agreement of a technology jointly developed between a CDRD-affiliated institution and CDRD, and the first between BCCA and CDRD.
Irinophore C is a lipid-based nanoparticle made by loading the irinotecan payload into its interior core using a novel and proprietary method developed by BCCA researchers.
The compound is currently completing preclinical development and is due to enter phase I clinical study as a single agent in patients having advanced solid tumors in Q4 2011.
The CDRD collaboration demonstrated the technology’s clinical benefit including demonstrating that Irinophore C can reduce the clinical dose limiting gastrointestinal toxicity associated with Camptosar.
Champions has tested the activity of Irinophore C using its Tumorgraft translational technology platform.
The results confirmed efficacy and safety advantages for Irinophore C as compared to the approved drug Camptosar on various tumor types.
CDRD CEO Natalie Dakers said this licensing agreement further validates the successful collaboration model at CDRD, where they can provide drug development knowledge, technical infrastructure, commercialization expertise, and funding for researchers across Canada so they can carry out critical experiments to further advance their discoveries into new therapeutics.
"The project received funding support from CDRD through the ‘ Pfizer-CDRD Innovation Fund,’ which was created to fast-track the commercialization of academic research projects into high-value medicines," Dakers said.