On April 30, 2018 AbbVie, a research-based global biopharmaceutical company, and Rice University reported they have entered into a joint research collaboration to establish the K.C. Nicolaou Research Accelerator (Press release, AbbVie, APR 30, 2018, View Source [SID1234525846]). The research at the Accelerator will focus on synthesizing novel cytotoxic agents for use in the fight against cancer. The collaboration will complement AbbVie’s existing expertise in oncology discovery and early development.

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The K.C. Nicolaou laboratory has unique expertise in the art of replicating complex natural molecules that have cancer-fighting properties. The process, called total synthesis, allows researchers to apply organic chemistry strategies and technologies to optimize anti-tumor agents. When combined with AbbVie’s medicinal chemistry and antibody engineering capabilities, these anti-tumor agents have the potential to transform cancer treatment paradigms and significantly benefit patients.

"Dr. Nicolaou and his team at Rice University are conducting world-class research in organic chemistry that has the potential to aid in the development of new and effective cancer therapies for patients," said Tom Hudson, M.D., vice president, oncology discovery and early development, AbbVie. "Our goal is to transform the way cancer is treated and we look forward to aligning our development capabilities with the team’s expertise in chemistry to better address patient needs."

Dr. Nicolaou, the Harry C. and Olga K. Wiess Professor of Chemistry at Rice University, will lead the Accelerator’s research team at Rice. He is globally renowned for his research on total organic synthesis. He achieved the first total synthesis of the widely used chemotherapy agent paclitaxel (trade name Taxol), along with multiple other complex molecules. Dr. Nicolaou has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Wolf Prize in Chemistry in 2016 for advancing the field of chemical synthesis to the extremes of molecular complexity and expanding the interface among chemistry, biology and medicine.

"The K.C. Nicolaou Research Accelerator is a new model for university-industry collaboration," said Yousif Shamoo, vice provost for research at Rice University. "It is a true partnership between AbbVie and Rice scientists to conduct the highest-quality cutting-edge research and development in cancer therapeutics. Rice is moving away from more transactional relations with industry and replacing them with an integrative and deeper collaborative structure that we think will produce better outcomes for industry as well as better research and knowledge creation for the University."

"Collaborations like this one afford exciting opportunities for the commercialization of Rice research," said Asha Rajagopal, director of technology transfer at Rice University. "University-industry partnerships can marry academic exploration to market need and help streamline the translation of academic results into products with commercial impact. Such partnerships help foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation in the university community."

Taxol is a registered trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company

A photo of Nicolaou is available at the link below.
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Cutline: K.C. Nicolaou (Credit: Jeff Fitlow/Rice University)

On April 30, 2018 Zymeworks Inc. (NYSE/TSX: ZYME), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing multifunctional biotherapeutics, reported that management will present at the upcoming Bloom Burton & Co. Healthcare Investor Conference taking place May 2-3, 2018 in Toronto, Canada (Press release, Zymeworks, APR 30, 2018, View Source [SID1234525864]).

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The Company will present on May 2, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. ET. Interested parties can access a live webcast of the presentation via a link from Zymeworks’ website at View Source, which will also host a recorded replay available afterwards.

On April 30, 2018 Altum Pharmaceuticals Inc. ("Altum" or "Altum Pharmaceuticals") reported that it has completed the acquisition of Lexi Pharma Inc. ("Lexi Pharma"), a Canadian pharmaceutical company focused on the development of AP-002, a new chemical entity (NCE) small molecule with an active US FDA IND (Investigational New Drug application) (Press release, Altum Pharmaceuticals, APR 30, 2018, View Source [SID1234598056]). AP-002, is a novel molecule, that selectively targets bone resorption while also demonstrating anti-tumor activity. Preclinical studies have shown that AP-002 selectively inhibits osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption with a novel mechanism of action distinct from other anti-bone resorption agents.

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The acquisition provides Altum with an enhanced pipeline by adding potential therapies for bone and oncology disorders, as well as, the addition of a world class management team. Lexi Pharma team members have collectively filed 15 New Drug Applications (NDAs) and have been involved in the development and launch of successfully marketed products including: Byetta, Bydureon, Camptosar, Dacogen, Ellence, Emcyt, Erbitux, Folotyn, Panretin, Symlin, Sutent, Targretin, Vidaza, Velcade, and Zarnestra.

"We are delighted to have the Lexi team join us at Altum to help us realize the goal of addressing unmet needs for women’s health with novel therapeutic approaches. As part of the merger, we are thrilled to have experienced and motivated female C-level executives joining Altum to help implement our novel strategies," said Altum Pharmaceuticals’ Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ahmad Doroudian. "The merger represents another important step in the execution of our strategy to become a global player in women’s health."

As part of the Altum’s merger with Lexi Pharma:

Ali Ardakani, the Chief Executive Officer of Lexi Pharma, will join Altum’s board.
Dr. Angela Ogden, will join Altum as the new Chief Medical Officer.
Dr. Gina Stetsko will join Altum as the new Chief Development Officer.
Dr. Hooshmand Sheshbaradaran, will join Altum as Chief Operating Officer.
Lexi Pharma’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Angela Ogden said, "We are excited to become part of Altum Pharmaceuticals. Our combined pipeline allows us to focus on specific therapeutic needs of women, such as, HPV and bone disorders. Our experienced and cohesive development team looks forward to bringing new treatment paradigms to women around the world."

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On April 30, 2018 Crescendo Biologics Ltd (Crescendo) the developer of multi-functional biologics with a focus on novel targeted T-cell engagers, reported that it has completed a $70 million (€57 million) Series B financing(Press release, Crescendo Biologics, APR 30, 2018, View Source [SID1234525829]). The funds will be used to advance the development of its lead programme, CB307, which stimulates local activation of tumour-specific T-cells, into the clinic and further expand its internal pipeline of products.

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Crescendo Biologics is developing potent, multi-functional Humabody therapeutics in oncology. It is pursuing novel Humabody-based product opportunities, through in-house development and strategic partnerships. To date, it has a collaboration with Takeda Pharma worth up to $790m.

The Series B round was led by Andera Partners (formerly Edmond de Rothschild Investment Partners) with Europe’s largest life science fund Biodiscovery V, and joined by Quan Capital with its leading life sciences fund, Quan Venture Fund I, and Crescendo’s existing investors Sofinnova Partners, IP Group, EMBL and Takeda Ventures. This is the largest disclosed Series B biotech financing in Europe in 2018.

Gilles Nobécourt, Partner at Andera Partners and lead investor said: "We have been very impressed with the high quality of the novel biology behind multi-functional Humabodies and Crescendo’s growing development portfolio. Crescendo is a true pioneer in the development of targeted T-cell engagement and we are looking forward to working with the team."

Graziano Seghezzi, Managing Partner at Sofinnova Partners added: "We have been supporting Crescendo since its seed round in 2009, and then through the Series A together with IP Group, the substantial size of the round and the participation of new investors of the Series B underlines the
potential and success of VH-based Humabodies."

Marietta Wu, Managing Director of Quan Capital which invested a significant amount in the round, explained: "We have been especially drawn to the Humabody platform that offers multiple potential advantages over the current antibody (IgG) approaches and could enable the Company to quickly build a
substantial portfolio of impactful therapeutics. We look forward to joining our partners to rapidly advance Crescendo’s portfolio into clinical development where we can improve patient lives."

Peter Pack CEO of Crescendo said: "We appreciate the strong support – past and present – from our current investors, who have enabled us to grow the Company to this point. In this round, we are also welcoming two new investors, Andera Partners and Quan Capital. We look forward to taking our leadprogramme, CB307 into the clinic and further exploit our technology platform with new products."