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Inside the X-MAN: University of Liverpool
Scientists to Mine Horizon’s Patient Models for Novel Protein Targets &
Biomarkers
Cambridge & Liverpool, UK, 19th October
2009 – Horizon Discovery (Horizon) has entered into a research collaboration
with the University of Liverpool to identify and validate novel cancer targets
and biomarkers for personalized cancer therapy and diagnostics.
Horizon is continuing the process of enabling key academic investigators with
its panel of over 150 proprietary genetically-defined isogenic human disease
models, with the aim of accelerating the search for new patient-focused drug
targets and theranostic biomarkers that could deliver more effective
‘personalized’ medicines.
Professor Michael Clague at the University of Liverpool is a world leader the
study of a novel class of cancer targets called deubiquitinases that regulate
protein stability. Additionally he has established a proteomics platform that
allows “global” characterization of molecular signatures within cancer cells.
Horizon’s panels of X-MAN™ (Mutant And Normal) cell-lines represent the first
accurate and genetically-defined in vitro models of specific cancer patient
populations; and Professor Clague will mine these cellular disease models for
unique protein-biomarker signatures. The objectives of the research program are
to identify and validate biomarkers that can aid existing drug discovery
programmes and to determine whether deubiquitanses represent novel targets in
patient populations harboring known cancer mutations such as K-Ras, PI3K, PTEN
and EGFR.
Dr Chris Torrance, CEO of Horizon says “It has always been our desire to get our
cancer models into the hands of established experts in complimentary research
and technology fields. Horizon was borne of academia and by working in this
collaborative way we can provide academics with access to world-class tools so
they are able to bring new treatment options and strategies into the clinic as
fast as possible”. Torrance also goes on to say “Professor Clague represents a
leading researcher on protein regulation mechanisms and is ideally placed to
define novel targets and biomarkers that will help maximize the benefits of
targeted therapies in cancer patients”
Professor Michael Clague says “We are delighted to enter into collaboration with
Horizon. As soon as I became aware of the cell lines they had created, it was
obvious that they would greatly facilitate our research programme. I am pleased
it has been so straightforward to establish a great relationship with the
company.”
Commercial details of the transaction remain confidential with the work program
beginning in November 2009.
About Horizon Discovery
Horizon Discovery is a translational genomics and personalised medicine company
founded in June 2007 and is headquartered at the Babraham Research Campus,
Cambridge, UK and with additional research laboratories in Torino, Italy.
Horizon’s goal is to convert new information on the genetic causes of cancer
into laboratory models that will facilitate the discovery of drugs that target
these defects. Central to this aim is Horizon Discovery’s offering of isogenic
cell-lines, which represent accurate models of defined cancer patient
populations and their matched normal genetic backgrounds – a missing link in the
rational and efficient development of novel targeted anti-cancer agents.
Contact: Dr Darrin M Disley on +44 (0)1223 303049 or +44 (0)7786 133893
www.horizondiscovery.com
About University of Liverpool
The University of Liverpool is a member of the Russell Group of leading
research-intensive institutions in the UK. It attracts collaborative and
contract research commissions from a wide range of national and international
organisations valued at more than £93 million annually.
School of Biomedical Sciences
The diverse research strengths cover topics ranging from how cells signal to
one another, through the investigation of the characteristics of drug metabolism
and human evolution to research at the basic science/clinical interface. The
overall aims of the research are to increase our knowledge of the fundamental
mechanisms of the human body but also to examine how this information can be
used in advancing our understanding of human development, evolution and disease.
Prof. Clague is coordinator of a group of 10 principal investigators clustered
under the theme “Oncology, Membrane Trafficking and Signaling”.
Contact: Kate Spark
Media Relations Manager
Phone: work +44 (0) 151 794 2247
Out of hours (cell+44 (0) 7970 247391)
Email: kate.spark@liv.ac.uk
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