RiboTargets
to Collaborate on EU Project for Research and Technological Development
(Cambridge
UK, September 06, 2002) RiboTargets,
a structure-based drug discovery company that develops novel
anti-bacterial and anti-cancer therapeutics, has entered into a European
Union (EU) Fifth Framework project to discover new anti-microbials that
target translation in bacteria and fungi.
RiboTargets
joins ten other partners involved in the 36-month project, which commences
in September 2002, and is one of three non-academic organisations to
contribute to the research, reflecting its level of excellence in
anti-bacterial drug discovery. The
Company is specifically involved in the structural characterisation of
RNA-thiazole antibiotic complexes, applying its world-class structure
determination capabilities whichthat
include both high resolution NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography.
Utilising its multidisciplinary approach to assay design,
RiboTargets will develop high throughput screening assays based on
ribosomal RNA-inhibitor interactions.
RiboTargets will also work in collaboration with the Medical
Research Council (MRC) on ribosome crystallisation, complementing
synergies from the Company’s exclusive consultancy with Dr Venki
Ramakrishnan of the MRC’s Laboratory of Molecular Biology.
RiboTargets’
CSO, Dr David Knowles commented, “We are very excited to be part of this
project, which complements our existing research programmes and fits with
our drug discovery expertise. The
Fifth Framework provides an excellent platform to convert scientific
breakthroughs into innovative, competitive and sustainable products and it
positions RiboTargets at the centre of European research for novel
anti-bacterial therapeutics targeting translation.”
Dr Knowles continued, “We are currently involved with an existing
EU Fifth Framework project to discover novel antiviral therapies for
Hepatitis C.”
As
part of the Community research policy the Fifth Framework programme
supports research and technological development, stimulating transnational
collaboration in research, networks of excellence and establishing an
environment in Europe that is favourable to innovation.
Copy
Ends
For
more information, please contact
David
Knowles
James Parkinson
Chief Scientific Officer
STMP Marketing Solutions Ltd
RiboTargets Ltd
Meadowside
Granta Park, Cambridge, CB1 6GB,
Mountbatten Way, Congleton, CW12 1DN
Tel: +44 (0)1223 895555 Fax: 895556 Tel:
+44 (0)1260 296500 Fax: +44 (0)1260 296501
d.knowles@ribotargets.com
james@stmpmarketing.com
Notes
to Editors
This
press release represents the views of the author and does not represent
the opinion of the Community.
About
RiboTargets Ltd
RiboTargets
is a privately owned pharmaceutical drug discovery company focused on the
development of novel anti-bacterial and anti-cancer therapeutics.
These therapeutic areas represent significant market opportunities.
The
Company has created and validated a proprietary structure-based drug
discovery engine that allows the rapid identification and optimisation of
drug candidates against both protein and nucleic acid targets using high
throughput computer-aided and experimental drug design.
Over
the last four years, RiboTargets has made the transition from a technology
platform company into a competitive drug discovery company.
RiboTargets’ goal for 2002 is to make the pivotal step from
research into formal drug development.
In the longer term, RiboTargets aims to become a significant player
in the anti-bacterial and anti-cancer markets.
Website: www.ribotargets.com .
