Call for epigenetic drug targets for respiratory ailments

An initiative has been launched to find new epigenetic drug targets for respiratory diseases.

Launched by MRC Technology (MRCT) and AstraZeneca, the two companies are looking for academics researching epigenetic mechanisms to engage with them to develop new treatments for diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.

Dr Justin Bryans, director of drug discovery at MRCT, said: “By combining our expertise, we will generate more opportunities to translate early stage academic research into potential new therapies to benefit patients. We are aiming to accelerate the development of novel small molecule drugs that can specifically target epigenetic pathways involved in respiratory diseases.”

The initiative is focused on epigenetic modulators acting in biological pathways linked to respiratory, inflammatory or autoimmune disease such as T regulatory and effector cells. MRCT and AstraZeneca will provide small molecule collections, assay development and screening, medicinal chemistry, and access to disease models for testing in addition to project oversight.

Maaten Kraan, head of the respiratory, inflammation and autoimmune innovative medicines unit at AstraZenaeca said: “We are now starting to understand how epigenetic factors help to explain the generation of many chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD. These factors are also reversible, which makes them good targets for therapeutic intervention. This unique collaboration will allow us to work with a strong academic consortium and the best academic translational scientists across the world to advance medical science and accelerate the search for new treatments.”

For further information or to submit your research click here. The deadline is 16 September 2016.