4SC AG and ProQinase GmbH announced a research collaboration to identify a new generation of protein kinase inhibitors as the basis for the development of new anticancer drugs. Protein kinases are key components of the signaling pathways of cells, including those pathways implicated in the development of tumors.

"ProQinase's expertise in protein kinase research will provide an excellent starting point for the discovery process," stated Dr. Ulrich Dauer, CEO of 4SC. "Because of these existing validated targets, we believe that this collaboration will quickly advance potential drug candidates through research into clinical trials."

ProQinase will provide disease relevant protein kinase targets using its proprietary integrated technology platform, including cell based assays and in vivo models. 4SC will apply its virtual High Throughput Screening technology, 4SCan in combination with its medicinal chemistry capabilities. Identified lead candidate drugs will be synthesized and provided to ProQinase for biological screening and pharmacological testing.

"4SC, with its cost and time saving discovery process, represents an ideal partner to rapidly deliver validated lead drug candidates,'' said Dr. Christoph Schächtele, Managing Director of ProQinase. "Our close proximity to the Tumor Biology Center in Freiburg will greatly facilitate taking these potential new cancer drugs into clinical trials."

Under the terms of the agreement both collaboration partners will equally share resulting project rights from this collaboration.