Cancer Research Technology (CRT), the commercialization arm of the U.K. research charity, has signed an exclusive agreement with Cephalon, Inc., to develop small molecule inhibitors of the protein kinase C superfamily of cell signaling proteins. The collaboration will advance lead compounds discovered at CRT’s Discovery Laboratories to the selection of preclinical candidates. Protein kinase C plays a pivotal role in cell signaling and the control of processes, including cell growth and division.<\/p>\n
Under terms of the agreement, CRT will be entitled to significant up-front and milestone payments as well as royalties on product sales. Cephalon will contribute substantial resources for the work, which will take place at CRT’s Discovery Laboratories in London and Cephalon’s R&D facility in West Chester, PA. The agreement with Cephalon represents a major milestone for CRT’s Discovery Laboratories as the first of its small molecule discovery programs to partner with an international biopharmaceutical company, according to Keith Blundy, chief executive of CRT.<\/p>\n