Medimmuneand the University of Cambridge have entered into a three-year oncology research collaboration.

The aim of the partnership is to advance cancer research by using imaging technologies to measure key biologic changes within growing tumours. Under the agreement, Medimmune will contribute both funding and a post-doctoral scientist to work within the laboratory of Professor Kevin Brindle at the University of Cambridge in the area of tumour targeted therapies.

The University of Cambridge is developing novel clinically relevant approaches — using magnetic resonance-based molecular imaging — to detect the earliest signs of a tumour’s response to treatment, including cell death.  These technologies may help Medimmune identify effective therapies earlier in the development process, allowing for more rapid delivery of drugs to patients, as stated in a press release.

“MedImmune is committed to collaborative partnerships with academia that drive the discovery and application of novel technology to enhance oncology research and development,” said Yong-Jun Liu, M.D., Ph.D, Head of Research, MedImmune.  “We’re delighted to embark on this partnership with the University of Cambridge and partner with Professor Brindle in this important area of oncology research.”

Prof. Brindle and his group bring extensive expertise in advances in molecular imaging that produce more sensitive pictures of cells within patients’ tumours, particularly through the use of 13C hyperpolarised molecules. These advances will help Medimmune identify biomarkers to support future clinical trial design, such as optimising dosing schedules and identifying appropriate patient populations in clinical trials.

Source: Medimmune