Onxeo S.A., an innovative company specializing in the development of orphan oncology therapeutics, announced a collaboration with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) for a discovery-stage programme on the derivatives of belinostat (Beleodaq), a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor.

This new collaboration program aims at optimizing the pharmacokinetic profile of belinostat, in order to increase its lifetime, its efficacy and its stability. In the end, the goal is to develop conjugate molecules derived from belinostat and with distinctive features compared to existing HDAC inhibitors, which may lead to new patent opportunities. The research projects will be led by Pr. Celine Marmion, Associate Professor of Bioinorganic Chemistry at RCSI and specialized in rational drug design, synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of metal-based anti-cancer agents.

According to the terms of the agreement, research costs will be shared between Onxeo and RCSI. Onxeo will have an option to license RCSI’s patents at negotiated rates. RCSI will lead compounds synthesis and in vitro testing, and Onxeo will lead the in vivo studies.

“We are excited to partner with leading research institution such as RCSI for this preclinical programme which should allow us to develop new compounds derived from belinostat. This will enable us to strengthen our portfolio while capitalizing on the experience already acquired with this product. Results of these researches are expected in the course of 2017”, commented Judith Greciet, CEO of Onxeo.

The concept for such a derived conjugated belinostat was validated by similar work described in a safety and efficacy presentation at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting in 2011.