Jul 08, 2019 10:31 JST

Source: Eisai

Eisai Enters Into Collaboration Research Agreement With University of Dundee on Targeted Protein Degradation Toward Cancer Drug Discovery

TOKYO, Jul 08, 2019 - (JCN Newswire) - Eisai Co.,Ltd. has entered into a collaboration research agreement with the University of Dundee in Scotland, UK, regarding Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs)(1) toward drug discovery in oncology area. PROTACs consist of two covalently linked protein-binding molecules: one capable of engaging an ubiquitin ligase (E3 ligase) and another that binds to a target protein meant for degradation.

PROTACs work by recruiting an E3 ligase to tag the target protein for ubiquitination for degradation through the intracellular degradation system. It is hoped that research into PROTACs will lead to new drug discoveries for proteins present in cancer, which are difficult to treat with conventional small molecule inhibitors. In this collaboration research, Professor Alessio Ciulli, one of the global pioneers in the field of PROTACs research, at the School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee is responsible for directing the research.

The collaboration combines the world-leading expertise and technology of the Professor Alessio Ciulli laboratory in PROTACs research with Eisai's discovery researches and clinical development experiences in oncology area as well as findings of target protein degradation based on our basic researches to aim to create innovative new drugs. Under this agreement, Eisai has the option rights to develop and commercialize the compounds resulted from this collaboration research.

If Eisai exercises the options, an upfront, milestone payments, and royalties on sales will be paid. Eisai positions oncology area as a key therapeutic area and is aiming to discover revolutionary new medicines with the potential to cure cancer. The company will continue to create innovative drugs based on the cutting-edge cancer research and will seek to contribute further to addressing the diverse needs of, and increasing the benefits provided to, patients with cancer, their families, and healthcare providers.

About Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs)

The conventional small molecule inhibitor bind to the active site of targeted enzymes and develops pharmacological actions by inhibiting its function. On the other hand, PROTACs are chimeric compounds with sites for binding targeted protein and for binding ubiquitin ligase and leads to degradation by proteolytic enzyme (proteasome) in cells. Since PROTACs exert their pharmacological effects by the degradation of target proteins, they can not only target proteins that do not have enzyme activity, which is difficult with conventional small molecule inhibitors, but also have pharmacological effects different from inhibitors Is also expected.

About University of Dundee

The University of Dundee is the top ranked university in the UK for biological science, according to the 2014 Research Excellence Framework. Dundee is recognized for the quality of its teaching and research and has a core mission to transform lives across society. More than 15,000 students are enrolled at Dundee, helping make the city Scotland's most student friendly. The university is the central hub for a multi-million-pound biotechnology sector in the east of Scotland, a major contributor to the local economy. For more information, please visit www.dundee.ac.uk.

(1) Gadd M.S. et al. "Structural basis of PROTAC cooperative recognition for selective protein degradation" Nat. Chem.Biol. 13, 514-521 (2017).

Contact:
Media Inquiries
Public Relations Department
Eisai Co., Ltd.
+81-(0)3-3817-5120
Source: Eisai
Sectors: BioTech

Copyright ©2024 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. A division of Japan Corporate News Network.

Related Press Release


Lifenet and Eisai Co-Develop Dementia Insurance "be"
March 21 2024 16:36 JST
 
Eisai Selected as a Nadeshiko Brand 2024 as a Listed Company Excelling in Promotion of Women in the Workplace
March 21 2024 15:10 JST
 
Eisai Invests in C2N to Support Simplifying the Diagnosis of Early Alzheimer's Disease to Better Serve Patients
March 06 2024 16:47 JST
 
Eisai to Boost Initiatives on Greenhouse Gas Reduction, Aiming to Achieve Net Zero by 2050
February 21 2024 14:26 JST
 
Eisai Selected for 'Human Capital Leaders 2023' and 'Human Capital Management Gold Quality', Recognized as Company Committed to Excellent Management and Disclosure of Human Capital Initiatives
February 20 2024 08:35 JST
 
Eisai: Metoject Subcutaneous Injection Pen (Methotrexate) Pen-Type Autoinjector Approved in Japan
February 16 2024 08:31 JST
 
Eisai Commences Fully-Fledged Business Activities at Pharma Sales Subsidiary in South Africa
February 01 2024 17:04 JST
 
Eisai Submits New Drug Application for Mecobalamin Ultrahigh-Dose Formulation in Japan for the Indication of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
January 26 2024 15:26 JST
 
Eisai: Antiepileptic Drug Fycompa Injection Formulation Approved in Japan
January 18 2024 14:12 JST
 
Eisai Listed as a Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporation for the Eighth Time
January 17 2024 16:08 JST
 
More Press release >>

Latest Press Release


More Latest Release >>