The Babraham Institute, which receives strategic funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), is a world-leading centre for studying the basic biology of signalling processes inside and between cells, supporting BBSRC’s mission to drive advances in fundamental bioscience for better health and improved quality of life. PI3Ks are known to have distinct roles in maintaining health and pathology and it is hoped that this collaboration will pave the way for more effective treatments for diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis as well as stimulating further ‘knowledge exchange’ partnerships to translate Institute research and deliver benefit to society and the economy.
The collaboration, led by Dr Stephen Shuttleworth, Chief Scientific Officer of Karus and Drs Len Stephens and Phillip Hawkins at the Babraham Institute, will further investigate PI3K signalling and the immune response, in particular the role of the different isoforms of the PI3K catalytic subunit p110 on neutrophil cell function.
Under the terms of the agreement, the team will further interrogate the mechanism by which Karus Therapeutics’ PI3K-p110 beta and PI3K-p110 delta inhibitors impact on neutrophil function and immune responses, with the aim of developing more effective treatments for inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Dr Shuttleworth said, “Dr Stephens and Dr Hawkins are key opinion leaders in the area of PI3K biology, notably in the context of neutrophil function. They have recently made key discoveries that are having a significant impact on the design of isoform-selective PI3K inhibitors for the treatment of chronic immune disorders. I have successfully collaborated with the Babraham team in the past and am delighted to be working with them again at Karus.”
Dr Hawkins added, “We have already shown in vivo that targeting of PI3K-p110 beta and PI3K-p110 delta is an effective way to treat rheumatoid arthritis in small animal models. By working with Karus, we gain unique access to scientific leadership in the field of PI3K inhibitor design and development. We look forward to working with Stephen and his team to convert scientific discovery into medical breakthrough.”
Professor Michael Wakelam, Director of The Babraham Institute, added, “This exciting new collaboration with Karus, based on a long-standing working relationship with Babraham scientists, demonstrates the increasingly important role that ‘knowledge exchange’ partnerships play in helping to translate basic research and develop therapeutic strategies to improve lifelong health. The understanding of the PI3K pathway brought about in particular by many years of BBSRC-supported fundamental research in the Stephens/Hawkins lab has been critical in informing a number of companies, including Karus, in their aim to develop novel therapeutics. We are looking forward to further interaction between our institute scientists and industry to ensure that UK-funded research delivers the widest benefit to both society and the economy.”
CONTACT:
Dr Claire Cockcroft
Head, External Relations
Email: claire.cockcroft@babraham.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1223 496260
Mobile: +44 (0)7786 335978
Dr Phill Hawkins
Email: phillip.hawkins@babraham.ac.uk
The Babraham Institute
Babraham Research Campus
Cambridge CB22 3AT
United Kingdom
http://www.babraham.ac.uk
College Hill
Sue Charles/Dr Christelle Kerouedan/Dr Rebecca Caygill
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7457 2020
Email: karus@collegehill.com
About BBSRC
BBSRC invests in world-class bioscience research and training on behalf of the UK public. Our aim is to further scientific knowledge, to promote economic growth, wealth and job creation and to improve quality of life in the UK and beyond. Funded by the UK Government, and with an annual budget of around £445M, we support research and training in universities and strategically funded institutes. BBSRC research and the people we fund are helping society to meet major challenges, including food security, green energy and healthier, longer lives. Our investments underpin important UK economic sectors, such as farming, food, industrial biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
For more information about BBSRC, our science and our impact see: http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk
For more information about BBSRC strategically funded institutes see: http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/institutes
About Karus Therapeutics
Karus Therapeutics is a leader in the development of innovative medicines that have breakthrough potential in treating inflammatory disease and cancer. The Company’s scientific excellence is reflected in its proprietary PI3K and HDAC6 inhibitor programmes, from which innovative small molecule drugs with significant clinical and commercial potential have been developed. The UK based Company is privately-held with a strong financial track record and experienced investors, including SV Life Sciences, New Leaf Ventures, Novo A/S and IP Group.
For further information please visit www.karustherapeutics.com