The European Institute of Oncology (IEO), through its technology transfer company TTFactor, has signed an important in-license agreement for the development of a new class of small molecules that promise to block the way cancer cells produce the energy to live and grow.
The new class of compounds, invented by Professor Filippo Minutolo and colleagues at the Department of Pharmacy of the University of Pisa, target the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase, interfering with the metabolism of cancer cells. The agreement fuels the cancer metabolism program at IEO and allows IEO Drug Discovery Program, led by Dr. Mario Varasi, to fast-track the selection, optimization and development of these molecules towards patients fruition.
Filippo Minutolo, Associate Professor of the University of Pisa says: "We are very pleased to find such an enthusiastic response by IEO about our work and we are confident of their ability to effectively translate our academic research into clinical applications".
Pier Giuseppe Pelicci, Scientific Co-Director of IEO says: "Collaborating with the University of Pisa on this project to attack cancer metabolism is strategic for IEO's effort in making new drugs for cancer sufferers".
