Our Centre for Drug DevelopmentOur Centre for Drug Development
We partner with academics, biotech, and pharma to deliver early-phase clinical trials, accelerating the next generation of cancer treatments to patients.
Our portfolio spans therapeutic modalities including antibodies, imaging agents, cell therapies, vaccines and targeted small molecules. We’re always seeking new and innovative projects that maximize patient benefit, in particular first in class therapies and first in human clinical trials.
Our track record
30
years of experience
20
agents under active development
6
agents registered as medicines
We have a strong history of advancing cancer treatments. Some notable therapies in our portfolio include:
- Temodal, treating glioblastoma since 2001
- Zytiga, treating prostate cancer since 2011
- Rubraca, treating ovarian cancer since 2018
Our team of experts
At the Centre for Drug Development, we have a team of over 100 scientists and operational staff located across the UK. Their work is overseen by our expert leadership team with experience spanning industry, biotech, medicine and drug discovery.
Through our combined expertise and unique access to a broad research and clinical network, we can help take your discoveries from exploratory and preclinical phases through to sponsorship and into clinical trials.
Cancer Research UK is an ideal partner, given their global reputation and proven expertise in developing innovative cancer therapies.
—Professor Amit Nathwani, Founder and CEO of NovalGen
How we involve patients
We’re committed to actively involving people affected by cancer in our mission to deliver more treatment options to people with cancer.
From clinical trial planning through to patient centred trial management apps and accessible trial information, we’re consulting, collaborating and partnering with people affected by cancer.
Our dedicated panel of patient representatives bring the voice of the patient to our work and provide input across our clinical trials and other initiatives.
How we deliver our trials
Our expansive network integrates cutting-edge translational and clinical research. By uniting leading experts and advanced facilities, we can deliver the most promising therapies and advance patient care.
Formulation Unit
The Formulation Unit is our pharmaceutical development facility for small molecule drugs. The Unit's work spans analytical method and formulation development, stability studies and good manufacturing practice of investigational medicine products.
Experimental Cancer Medicine Centres
We deliver our clinical trials through the Experimental Cancer Medicines Centres (ECMC) network. The network's translational and clinical infrastructure is made up of 17 adult and 12 paediatric centres across the UK.
Cancer Research Horizons
We work closely with Cancer Research Horizons to provide a seamless translation channel from early-stage discovery to partnered candidate development. They're the innovation engine of Cancer Research UK, focussing on translating cutting-edge innovations from the lab bench to the bedside to create effective treatments and diagnostics for cancer patients.
Our latest news, features and updates
CDD and KisoJi partner to advance first naked TROP2 antibody into the clinic
We've signed a landmark agreement to bring KisoJi's lead asset into a first in human clinical trial.
First patient dosed in first in human immunotherapy trial
The first patient has been treated in our trial of HLA-G antibody UCB4594, the second trial in our collaboration with UCB.
Hear more from the Centre for Drug Development
Discover more of the latest news and press releases related to our work, including partnering, clinical trials and patient involvement activities.