Under the expanded partnership, scientists at the ICR’s Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery will work with researchers at Merck to discover and develop new small-molecule drugs to treat cancer, while Merck will fund nine full-time research posts at the ICR
ICR, Merck extend small-molecule cancer drugs partnership. (Credit: Merck KGaA)
German science and technology company Merck and UK-based cancer research organisation Institute of Cancer Research have extended their strategic collaboration for the discovery and development of new cancer drugs.
Under the expanded partnership, scientists at the ICR’s Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery will work with researchers at Merck to discover and develop new small-molecule drugs to treat cancer.
Both parties will contribute their extensive drug discovery expertise to the multi-year collaboration, along with significant financial and staff commitments.
The German science and technology company will fund nine full-time research posts at the ICR.
ICR cancer therapeutics division head and centre for cancer drug discovery director Olivia Rossanese said: “We’re delighted to announce the renewal of our strategic alliance with Merck and the latest chapter in a partnership that has now lasted for almost 20 years.
“As ever we’ll be working together on a range of projects that combine our expertise in drug discovery with our deep biological insights into cancer, with a focus on discovering innovative small-molecule therapeutics.
“This new agreement demonstrates our commitment to translating our research programmes into the clinic in collaboration with industry partners – of whom we have more than 100 at the ICR – and ultimately to delivering new, life-saving treatments to cancer patients.”
Previously known as the Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, the Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery at the ICR is now independent from Cancer Research UK.
The scientists at the centre have discovered 21 drug candidates since 2005, among which 13 have reached clinical trials.
In 2021, the ICR opened a new £70m building on its Sutton site, South London, which currently hosts around 300 scientists working across different disciplines in cancer drug discovery.
The Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery is supported by ICR’s specialised Centres including its Centre for Target Validation and Centre for Protein Degradation.
The Institute of Cancer Research business and innovation director Jon Wilkinson said: “Our long-term alliance with Merck in drug discovery and development is continuing to go from strength to strength, and it’s a pleasure to renew it again.
“Our work together is a great example of a long-term, effective partnership that involves genuine collaboration, integration and shared responsibility – and of great science in understanding exciting, innovative targets that could lead to new cancer drugs.”