Targeting Cancer Cells with Aptamers

A global biotechnology company interested in both small-molecule and biologics platforms demonstrating therapeutics activity in the field of oncology is seeking Technologies, Research Projects, Spinout Companies and Engagement with Academic Experts. 

Research Interests

Our client is currently interested in identifying nucleic acid-based aptamers that bind to targets specifically found on the surface of cancer cells. Validation using rodent tumour models with immune competent models are of highest interest, but other validation models are acceptable. 

Areas of high priority are:

• Aptamers that are composed of RNA or DNA that demonstrate high affinity binding to proteins or glycans that are predominantly expressed on tumour cells and not on normal cells
• Technologies covering modifications that improve the stability, drug‑like properties, and clinical potential of RNA aptamers
• Technologies that involve aptamer hybrids and conjugates including those with small molecules, polymers, siRNA, or peptides
• Improved linker technologies for aptamers
• Targets and applicability of technology will ideally be cancer focused, but our client is open to developments in other disease areas that can be applied to oncology 
• All cancers are within scope, with solid tumours being of highest interest

Stage of Development

• All opportunities from Basic Research through to Phase I Research are of interest 
• Opportunities with patent pending or patent granted status are particularly encouraged to apply

Opportunity for Collaboration

Our client would be open to a range of possible collaboration outcomes (the most appropriate being decided on a case by case basis), including but not limited to: 

• In-licensing therapeutics to develop and licence to larger pharmaceutical companies for clinical development
• Sponsored research, mainly at lower developmental stage

Jurisdictions of Interest

Our client is open to research opportunities worldwide.

Application Information

One‑page research summaries are encouraged, plus any relevant non‑confidential supporting documents.