Cyclenium Pharma Inc., an emerging pharmaceutical company specializing in the discovery and development of novel drug candidates based on proprietary macrocyclic chemistry and the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer — Commercialization of Research (IRICoR) along with Université de Montréal and its Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC) announced today the signing of a collaborative research agreement. The collaboration intends to utilize Cyclenium’s proprietary QUEST Library™ of next generation macrocyclic molecules and associated hit-to-lead optimization expertise in concert with IRIC’s state-of the-art capabilities in biological target identification, characterization and screening, as well as medicinal chemistry. The objective of the collaboration is to discover and develop new drug candidates in cutting-edge target areas for the treatment of cancer and immunological disorders.
“We are delighted to have forged this collaboration with IRICoR and the team of leading investigators at IRIC in two of our therapeutic focus areas,” stated Helmut Thomas, Ph.D., President & Chief Executive Officer of Cyclenium. “Combining IRIC’s exquisite research expertise in the understanding of novel pharmacological targets with our CMRT™ drug discovery technology and our joint experience in the medicinal application of macrocyclic compounds and proven development success in the macrocycle arena offers superb potential for success in the search for new pharmaceuticals in oncology and immunology indications.”
”We are extremely pleased to be working with Cyclenium,” said Michel Bouvier, Chief Executive Officer of both IRIC and IRICoR. “We clearly see multiple areas of synergy between IRIC’s drug discovery, screening, and medicinal chemistry expertise with Cyclenium’s leadership position in macrocycle-based drug development.”
About Cyclenium Pharma Inc.
Cyclenium Pharma is an emerging, privately-held pharmaceutical research and development company exploiting its next generation CMRT™ macrocyclic drug discovery technology for the discovery and development of novel small molecule therapeutic agents to address areas of unsatisfied medical need. Cyclenium is creating value through progression of internal programs and collaborations with innovative pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, as well as partnerships with leading academic and non-profit organizations seeking to modulate unique and difficult disease targets. For more information: www.cyclenium.com.
About the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer
An ultra-modern research hub and training centre located in the heart of the Université de Montreal, the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC) was created in 2003 to shed light on the mechanisms of cancer and discover new, more effective therapies to counter this disease. IRIC operates according to a model that is unique in Canada. Its innovative approach to research has already led to discoveries that will, over the coming years, have a significant impact on the fight against cancer. For more information: www.iric.ca
About the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer — Commercialization of Research
The Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer — Commercialization of Research (IRICoR) is a not-for-profit drug discovery and commercialization centre based at the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC) of the Université de Montréal (UdeM). IRICoR’s main objective is to rapidly translate highly innovative scientific projects from IRIC, UdeM and various centres into high value novel therapies in oncology, immunology and related indications through strong partnerships with the private sector — thereby efficiently bridging the innovation translation gap between early stage academic research and industry. For more information: www.iricor.ca
About the Université de Montréal
Deeply rooted in Montreal and dedicated to its international mission, the Université de Montréal is one of the top universities in the French-speaking world. Founded in 1878, the Université de Montréal today has 16 faculties and together with its two affiliated schools, HEC Montréal and École Polytechnique, constitutes the largest centre of higher education and research in Québec and one of the major centres in North America. It brings together 2,600 professors and researchers, accommodates more than 65,000 students. For more information: www.umontreal.ca.
Contacts:
Helmut Thomas, Ph.D.
President & Chief Executive Officer
Cyclenium Pharma Inc.
Telephone: 819-571-4296
hthomas@cyclenium.com
Steven J. Klein, Ph.D
Vice-President, Business Development
Institute for Research in Immunology and
Cancer — Commercialization of Research
Telephone: 514-343-6647
steven.klein@iricor.ca