Novuspharma SpA announced a further strengthening of its focus on anti-angiogenesis in the treatment of cancer with the signing of a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the US National Cancer Institute''s Developmental Therapeutics Programme (NCI-DTP) Screening Technologies Branch (Frederick, Maryland, USA) for the discovery and development of small molecule inhibitors of Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1 alpha (HIF-1 alpha). HIF-1 alpha plays a critical role in angiogenesis, the process which leads to the formation of new blood vessels by tumours, allowing them to grow, invade surrounding healthy tissue and eventually spread through the body.

Under the terms of the three-year agreement, Novuspharma will provide technical expertise and reagents for the development of biochemical assays targeting HIF-1 alpha, together with test compounds, medicinal chemistry expertise for lead optimization and chemical synthesis of analogs. Novuspharma will also have access to NCI-STB compounds to be evaluated in its screening tests.

NCI-DTP Screening Technologies Branch (STB) will validate and characterize the activity profile of HIF-1 alpha inhibitors in its cell-based assays using a unique series of engineered human tumour cell lines, which represent a valuable tool for investigating HIF-1 alpha activity in inhibiting angiogenesis and ultimately tumour growth. NCI-DTP will also perform a series of studies on Novuspharma compounds to validate their mechanism of action, particularly their anti-angiogenic and antiproliferative activity.

Recent studies have shown that efficient inhibition of angiogenesis can block tumour growth in experimental models. HIF-1 alpha is a master regulator of the response to hypoxia, and several independent studies have indicated the potential role of HIF-1 alpha as a therapeutic target. Novuspharma has developed a unique biochemical screening assay for the identification of small molecules that specifically block the interaction of HIF-1 alpha with its intra-cellular targets. These interactions lead to a cascade of events, which ultimately lead to tumour growth and dissemination.

Novuspharma is building a leading position in angiogenesis. In April, the Company acquired full rights to Prolifix''s anti-angiogenic discovery programme. The two companies formed a strategic alliance to conduct research into a series of Prolifix''s patented compounds with anti-angiogenic properties, specifically those inhibiting Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1 alpha (HIF-1 alpha). This agreement provides Novuspharma with access to Prolifix''s studies in that area including full rights to the research, compounds and associated intellectual property. The latest collaboration with the NCI-DTP further strengthens Novuspharma''s position in anti-angiogenic drug research.

Dr Silvano Spinelli, Chief Executive Officer, said, "We believe that anti-angiogenic drugs, in combination with current therapies, will play a major role in future cancer therapy. The inhibition of HIF-1 alpha provides a unique approach not only to combating angiogenesis but also potentially to inhibiting the survival of cancer cells. The collaboration with NCI, a leading global institution in oncology research, will further enhance our efforts to obtain significant results in this promising area."