Award to develop new therapeutic antibodies targeting nf-P2X7 to treat cancer

Cambridge, UK, 16th July 2014. Biosceptre International Limited, the oncology company developing antibody products that target the nf-P2X7 receptor, today announced it has secured a Technology Strategy Board Feasibility Study Award of £150k. This grant will allow Biosceptre to undertake a feasibility study to expand its pipeline of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to bind the nf-P2X7 receptor, a non-functioning conformation of the P2X7 receptor, for the treatment of cancer. This is the first Technology Strategy Board award that Biosceptre has secured since relocating to the UK in February 2014.

The project aims are to develop a series of mAbs, confirm their ability to bind nf-P2X7, and demonstrate in vitro cytotoxicity. Work is due to start on the project in July 2014.

Shaun McNulty, Commercial Manager, who secured the grant application said: “Feedback from the Technology Strategy Board reviewers highlighted Biosceptre’s strength of scientific approach, the fundamental technology, and potential for commercialisation as key factors in selecting us for the award.”

“We are delighted to have secured this funding through the Technology Strategy Board,” said Gavin Currie, CEO of Biosceptre. “This grant will enable the Company to further explore and develop new potential products to diagnose and treat cancer, taking advantage of our unique intellectual property position and proprietary knowledge of the nf-P2X7 receptor.”

Media contact:

Daniel Barton
Biosceptre
media@biosceptre.com
+61 412 548 824
+1 650 249 4977