Novo Nordisk has acquired all of the shares of Ziylo, a University of Bristol spin-out company based at Unit DX science incubator in Bristol, UK.

The acquisition gives Novo Nordisk full rights to Ziylo’s glucose binding molecule platform to develop glucose responsive insulins. Ziylo’s glucose binding molecules are synthetic molecules that were designed by Professor Anthony Davis at the University of Bristol. These stable, synthetic molecules exhibit an unprecedented selectivity to glucose in complex environments such as blood.

“We believe the glucose binding molecules discovered by the Ziylo team together with Novo Nordisk world-class insulin capabilities have the potential to lead to the development of glucose responsive insulins which we hope can remove the risk of hypoglycaemia and ensure optimal glucose control for people with diabetes,” said Marcus Schindler, senior vice president, Global Drug Discovery, Novo Nordisk.

Novo Nordisk acquires all shares in Ziylo for an upfront payment and earn-outs with contingent milestone payments. Total payments under the agreement could ultimately exceed 800 million dollars upon the achievement of certain development, regulatory and sales milestones by Novo Nordisk.

A key strategic area

The development of glucose responsive insulins is a key strategic area for Novo Nordisk in its effort to develop this next generation of insulin which would lead to a safer and more effective insulin therapy, it reports. A glucose responsive insulin would help eliminate the risk of hypoglycaemia, which is the main risk associated with insulin therapy and one of the main barriers for achieving optimal glucose control. Thus, a glucose responsive insulin could also lead to better metabolic control and thus overall reduce the burden of diabetes for people living with the disease.

Carbometrics

Prior to closing of the acquisition, certain research activities have been spun out of Ziylo to a new company, Carbometrics. Carbometrics has entered into a research collaboration with Novo Nordisk to assist with ongoing optimisation of glucose binding molecules for use in glucose responsive insulins. Carbometrics has licenced rights to develop non-therapeutic applications of glucose binding molecules, with a focus on developing continuous glucose monitoring applications.

Source: Nordic Life Science News

SMS-oncology has been selected as the contract research organization (CRO) to conduct the phase II study with Foxy-5 in patients with colon cancer.

WntResearch designed a clinical phase II trial with Foxy-5 as neoadjuvant therapy in colon cancer patients without evidence of metastases present. Their lead program Foxy-5, a small peptide that mimics the effects of Wnt-5a, is intended to compensate for the lack of protein Wnt-5a in the tumor tissue noted in patients with colon cancer, in order to reduce the risk of metastasis.

The trial will be conducted as a randomized, multicenter, controlled, open-label, two-arm trial to evaluate safety, tolerability and preliminary efficacy of Foxy-5. In addition, exploratory objectives include assessment of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in subject plasma, as a surrogate for disease recurrences.

Based on the recently completed feasibility study, with a positive outcome and great interest shown by contacted research clinics, WntResearch has decided to perform the phase II study at a number of clinics in Spain and the Netherlands. The study aims to include up to 180 patients who are expected to be at high risk of recurrence in colon cancer.

SMS-oncology has been engaged for the implementation of the study owing to the expertise on conducting clinical oncology studies as well as a solid experience in carrying out studies in these two countries. Currently pre-study visits are performed and the CTA (Clinical Trial Authorization) applications will be submitted to the relevant authorities during the summer. Assuming necessary approvals, patient recruitment is expected to be initiated during the fourth quarter of 2018.

Peter Morsing, CEO at WntResearch, says: “I am very happy with the selection of SMS-oncology as our CRO. From the early beginning of contact between our companies, their in-depth oncology expertise and hands-on experience in the field was found to be of added value. The work is moving forward rapidly, and we are excited in taking these next steps with SMS-oncology as our partner.”

“The phase II study with Foxy-5 is very interesting as it has the potential to prevent and alleviate cancer invasiveness and metastasis, correlating with the poor prognosis of colon cancer patients. SMS-oncology is specialized in early phase I/ II trials and is pleased WntResearch has chosen us to implement this important clinical study”, Philine van den Tol, CEO of SMS-oncology, says.

EuropaBio is delighted to announce European Biotech Week 2018. Between 24 – 30th of September, the EU will, for the sixth time,  witness a week packed full of biotech-focused activities and events. European Biotech Week will be held alongside simlar initiatives, planned across 4 continents as part of Global Biotech Week.

This year, we build on the success of European Biotech Week 2017, where a record-breaking number of 19 European countries held over 150 events and activities. This annual initiative, aimed at increasing dialogue around and understanding of biotech, comprises of a diverse set of activities that include open doors visits, symposiums, round table discussions, fun runs, flashmobs, competitions, roving labs, theatre plays, hands-on experiments and much more.

Commenting on the event, Chair of EuropaBio, Tjerk de Ruiter, said “Biotech has been benefitting people and planet for many years now, providing solutions to some of society’s most pressing challenges. It helps us to use our resources more efficiently, provides food and feed for a growing population and develops treatments for unmet medical needs. In biotech week, we take time out to celebrate these acheivements, together with a growing community of biotech enthusiasts of all ages and nationalities.’’

He concluded: ‘’One of the best things about the events that this week brings together is the creativity on show and the shared passion and enthusiasm for communicating on biotech. In the EU, we have a wealth of success stories to share which are being created by the young people studying biotech and by those innovating in this field. Ultimately, they are the ones who make Biotech week the success that it is’’

“We invite you to see what is going on near you on www.biotechweek.org and www.globalbiotechweek.ca, and we wholeheartedly thank all the biotech supporters who have contributed to this year’s amazing programme already. Lastly, it’s not too late to hold your own events to show why there is no science like biotech science!”

Source: EuropaBIO