Start-up firm targeting a novel cancer therapy

ASTART-UP company is to develop a novel cancer therapy, targeting a rare bone cancer and other cancers, more common in Wales, such as lung, colorectal, breast and prostate cancers.

Ceridwen Oncology, based at MSParc, Bangor University’s science park on Anglesey, is to develop and transform medical discoveries by Bangor and Cardiff Universities into useable medical treatments.

The new company has been selected against stiff competition, to join the Alderley Park Oncology Development programme (APODP), a globally leading commercial accelerator programme, created by UK Government Innovate UK and Cancer Research UK in partnership with some of the world’s larger global pharmaceutical companies, Astra Zeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson and Roche.

The aim of the new programme is to identify and progress exciting oncology innovations that will improve the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

The scientists have identified a unique feature of a rare bone cancer called chordoma - and have also identified a series of molecules that inhibit the ability of the cancerous cells to progress the disease.

The next stage, translating the scientific knowledge into patient benefit, can be a long, challenging and expensive process. Forming a company enables the scientists to access ‘angel’ investors and other investment opportunities.

Seed-funding for the original research at Bangor University came from the Life Sciences Research Network Wales (an initiative funded by the Welsh Government’s Sêr Cymru Programme), and the Cancer Research Wales charity.