Innova Biosciences, the inventor of the world’s easiest to use conjugation kit and Cancer Research Technology (CRT), the commercialisation arm of Cancer Research UK have signed a licence agreement to develop a portfolio of conjugated antibodies against novel oncology targets.
Innova’s core business is ‘bioconjugation’ – the joining of two molecules to form a hybrid ‘conjugate’, a complex process carried out in thousands of research laboratories worldwide. Conjugates are used in diagnostic tests in hospitals and research labs around the world and in consumer items such as pregnancy test kits. Innova Biosciences has developed a sophisticated, yet simple and rapid, onestep conjugation method for joining biomolecules (Lightning-Link™).
Through the commercialisation deal, Innova Biosciences will create a novel collection of antibody conjugate research tools for the scientific community, with the ultimate objective being the advancement of science and our understanding of the complexities behind cancer development. Commenting on the deal Dr Nick Gee, CEO of Innova Biosciences said “Research arising from Cancer Research UK sponsored labs is pioneering, and the organisation is recognised as a worldwide leader in the oncology field. CRT was an obvious partner for Innova Biosciences which creates a unique, powerful synergistic effect. It is our hope that these novel research tools will aid scientists to unravel the mysteries of cancer thus leading to the development of diagnostic tests and anti cancer therapeutics.”
Commenting on the deal Dr Phil L’Huillier, CRT’s director of business management said: “CRT has a strong track record in commercialising research tools and reagents. Working with Innova Biosciences will enable us to combine our specialist antibodies with their easy-to-use conjugation technology. We envisage this portfolio of antibody conjugates will have great importance in the field of cancer research.”
Innova Biosciences Ltd is a growing, dynamic business, based in Cambridge, UK. At the core of Innova’s business is the Lightning-Link™, an innovative technology that simplifies production of bioconjugates for use in R&D applications, drug discovery and diagnostics. The expanding Lightning- Link™ portfolio currently consists of 43 products and is sold to research laboratories in over 30 countries around the world. www.innovabiosciences.com
Cancer Research Technology Limited (CRT) is a specialist development and commercialisation company, which aims to develop new discoveries in cancer research for the benefit of cancer patients. CRT works closely with leading international cancer scientists and their institutes to protect intellectual property arising from their research and to establish links with commercial partners. CRT facilitates the discovery, development and marketing of new cancer therapeutics, vaccines, diagnostics and enabling technologies. CRT is wholly owned by Cancer Research UK, the largest independent funder of cancer research in the world. Further information about CRT can be found at www.CancerTechnology.com
Cancer Research UK
• Together with its partners and supporters, Cancer Research UK’s vision is to beat cancer.
• Cancer Research UK carries out world-class research to improve understanding of the disease and find out how to prevent, diagnose and treat different kinds of cancer.
• Cancer Research UK ensures that its findings are used to improve the lives of all cancer patients.
• Cancer Research UK helps people to understand cancer, the progress that is being made and the choices each person can make.
• Cancer Research UK works in partnership with others to achieve the greatest impact in the global fight against cancer.
For further information about Cancer Research UK’s work or to find out how to support the charity, please call 020 712 6699 or visit www.cancerresearchuk.org.uk
