Latest news from the Centre for Drug Development

First patient dosed in CDD first in human trial of new immunotherapy

The first patient has been treated in our trial of HLA-G antibody UCB4594, the second trial in our collaboration with UCB. UCB4594 will be given to people with advanced cancer to prime their immune system to attack their cancer. 

The trial is led by Professor Fiona Thistlethwaite at the Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester with other UK sites to follow.

CDD and NovalGen collaborate to advance T cell engager into the clinic

Cancer Research UK and NovalGen, a pioneering clinical stage immunology company, announce a collaboration to bring NovalGen's next generation T cell engager NVG-222 into a first-in-human clinical trial. 

The trial will be led by Dr William Townsend at University College London Hospitals. 

Our trial of Nxera's cancer immunotherapy at ESMO

Our trial of Nxera's novel EP4 antagonist HTL0039732 led by Dr Bristi Basu at the Cambridge Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre(link is external) was presented at the 2024 European Society for Medical Oncology Congress in Barcelona.

Making a real difference in cancer

Lars Erwig, our director, talks to The Medicine Maker about developing treatments for rare cancers and the need for pharma companies to increase collaboration with non-profits to deliver the best outcomes for patients.

First patient dosed in CDD Phase 2 trial of new pancreatic drug ginisortamab

The first patient has been treated in our trial of UCB's antibody ginisortamab, part of our collaboration with UCB. Ginisortamab will be given with standard chemotherapy to people with advanced pancreatic cancer. 

The trial is led by Professor Jeff Evans at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre in Glasgow with other sites across the UK and internationally to follow.

Beyond Borders: going global with clinical trials

Lars Erwig, our director, talks about the need for global collaboration in clinical trials. 

Here's how international partnerships between research charities can do this by pooling resources, expertise and patients. 

"If we do not fund these trials, no one else will."

CDD and the Norwegian Cancer Society partner to bring more novel treatments into the clinic

Announcing a new multi-project strategic partnership to maximise our unique drug development capabilities to benefit people affected by cancer.

Under this international partnership the Norwegian Cancer Society will share funding and expertise to accelerate development of new cancer treatments into our early phase trials.

First patient dosed in CDD Phase 1 trial of Aleta Biotherapeutics' CAR T cell engager

Our trial of first-in-class drug ALETA001 has treated the first patient. The trial is treating people with B-cell lymphoma whose disease has progressed after receiving CD19 CAR T cell therapy. 

The trial is led by Dr Sridhar Chaganti at University Hospital Birmingham. It is also treating people in Cambridge, Manchester, Leeds and London.

Cancer Research UK and Stitch strengthen their partnership, collaborating on two new studies

We're expanding the scope of our pilot study with two further studies launching in spring 2024, providing more trial participants with the enhanced support offered by the Stitch platform. 

The specially tailored app enables participants to view trial information, get appointment reminders, contact Cancer Research UK nurses for support and feedback their experiences.

Director of our Formulation Unit awarded OBE 

Cancer Research UK celebrates New Year Honours 2024 with several of its dedicated researchers and supporters recognised for their contributions, including Professor Gavin Halbert, Director of our Formulation Unit.

Over the years Gavin's team at the Unit has worked on drugs such as temozolomide (for brain cancer), abiraterone (for prostate cancer) and rucaparib (for ovarian cancer).