University of Cambridge grants exclusive worldwide licence to Paradigm Therapeutics to exploit exciting new drug target for the treatment of chronic pain

June 23 2003. The University of Cambridge has selected Paradigm Therapeutics Limited (‘Paradigm’) to commercially exploit the intellectual property owned by the University on the beta-3 subunit of voltage-gated sodium channels. Such channels represent highly promising targets for the development of innovative therapies for alleviation of chronic pain, a multi-billion dollar market with a high, unmet medical need. Paradigm has an exclusive worldwide licence for commercialization of this target.

The beta-3 subunit was discovered in the laboratory of Dr Tony Jackson in the University’s biochemistry department. Dr Jackson’s group is currently studying the structure and function of the subunit at the molecular level. 

Using its proprietary in vivo validation systems, Paradigm has a unique opportunity to exploit this target for the development of novel analgesics and will also evaluate its therapeutic potential in other disease areas. In collaboration with Paradigm, the University will continue to perform academic research on the protein.

Dr Tony Jackson said:

“I am delighted that we have been able to forge this close collaboration with Paradigm. The potential of beta-3 to act as a novel drug target in chronic pain is very exciting and shows the importance of connecting curiosity-driven research with its appropriate commercial exploitation.”

Dr Mark Carlton, Director of Operations for Paradigm said:

“We are very pleased that the University has chosen Paradigm to exploit this extremely promising pain target. It is a valuable addition to our rapidly growing portfolio of ground-breaking new drug targets for areas of high unmet medical need.” Dr David Secher, Director of Research Services at the University of Cambridge said:

“This is another brilliant example of how fundamental research from the University, together with the value generating activities of spin-out companies, were brought about by the University’s Technology Transfer Office.”

Notes for editors: 

1. Since its foundation in 1914, the Department of Biochemistry has led its field, producing seven Nobel Prize winners. It consists of seven facilities including the DNA Sequencing Facility. The Department can be found at http://www.bioc.cam.ac.uk/ 

2. The University of Cambridge's Technology Transfer Office (TTO) facilitates the commercial development of University intellectual property - and that arising from projects undertaken within the Cambridge-MIT Institute. Specialist technology transfer staff manage all aspects of patents, copyright and contractual arrangements. Income from patents and software exceeds £1m a year and is growing. The TTO licenses patents and other intellectual property to existing companies, both large and small, as well as to spinouts formed to exploit University and CMI technology. Working together with venture capital funds, the TTO forms around five new companies each year. The University holds equity in over 40 such companies. The TTO can be found at http://www.rsd.cam.ac.uk/tto 

3. Paradigm Therapeutics was founded by Dr Mark Carlton and Dr Samuel Aparicio and was spun-out from the University of Cambridge with initial research funding from Catalyst Biomedica Limited (a subsidiary of the Wellcome Trust). Both the University of Cambridge and Catalyst Biomedica are shareholders in Paradigm. Paradigm is focussing its efforts on therapeutic areas of high unmet medical need such as obesity, central nervous system disorders and cancer and has already characterised targets that represent novel therapeutic points of intervention in some of these key disease areas. For more information about Paradigm, visit www.paradigm-therapeutics.com .

For further information, please contact:

1. Mark Carlton, Director of Operations
Paradigm Therapeutics
Tel: 01223 222600; email: markcarlton@paradigm-therapeutics.com 

2. Dr Tony Jackson, Department of Biochemistry
University of Cambridge
Tel: 01223 765951; email: a.p.jackson@bioc.cam.ac.uk 

3. Karen Dean, Press and Publications Office
University of Cambridge 
Tel: 01223 332300; email: kjd42@cam.ac.uk