Small molecule heparanase inhibitors as anti-metastatic cancer drugs

The Heparanib Proof-of-Concept project aims to establish the feasibility of our unique small molecule heparanase inhibitors as drug candidates for the treatment of metastatic cancers.

To strengthen our science case (experimental development A) and by building on our in vivo data in mouse models for metastatic breast cancer, lung cancer and multiple myeloma, we will (A-I) design a suitable route of synthesis to prepare sufficient quantities of clinical grade material; (A-II) synthesise reference compounds; and (A-III) perform initial pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) studies.

With the aim to prepare for the establishment of a spin-out biotech company (business development B) to take our leads towards the clinic we will (B-IV) strengthen our intellectual property (IP) position; (B-V) perform an extensive analysis of the anti-metastatic cancer drug market; and (B-VI) prepare for commercialisation by consolidating the results in an investor-ready business plan to develop and commercialise our anticancer drug candidate.