ECTOPHARMA

Green light for research into pioneering new cancer product

 

EctoPharma, the Borders-based emerging pharmaceutical development company, has been awarded the maximum Feasibility Study grant of £70,000 under Scottish Enterprise’s SMART: SCOTLAND Scheme which supports innovative research and development projects within small and medium sized enterprises in Scotland. TRI Cap first invested in EctoPharma in 2005 and has maintained its interest in the business.

The SMART: SCOTLAND award comes in response to EctoPharma’s application for funding towards advanced research into the company’s Ryboquin™ product which has the potential to significantly improve the efficacy of existing chemotherapy treatments against a range of common cancers.

Ryboquin™ uses pioneering new nano-technology to deliver gene-blocking RNA direct to cancer cells in the body, halting or significantly reducing growth in tumours and potentially saving or prolonging millions of lives throughout the world. Initial research carried out this year by the London School of Pharmacy has produced extremely positive results in controlling pancreatic tumour growth. The next step is to carry out research

into Ryboquin’s effectiveness against refactory prostate cancer, the most difficult form of prostate cancer to treat. It is this important area for which the SMART award is being made.

Further research into Ryboquin™ will now be carried out in Scotland by Dundee-based contract research organisation, CXR. EctoPharma hopes to initiate “in man” studies in 2012.

Commenting, EctoPharma CEO, Alan Walker, said:

“We are delighted to receive this SMART: SCOTLAND award which recognises the potential of our Ryboquin™ product. There is enormous global demand for a product which can boost the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic agents in the fight against a number of common cancers. Results from our early research

demonstrate that Ryboquin™ helps to significantly reduce tumour growth rates, offering real hope to terminally ill patients. Ryboquin™ has the potential to revolutionise cancer treatments across the globe. I believe the work we are carrying out could act as a major beacon for the vitally important Scottish life science sector as a whole.”

Rob Dick, TRI Cap chairman commented:

“It is gratifying to see EctoPharma continue to achieve success and recognition for its work. Tri Cap members have been involved with the company for five years now and are very positive about it’s prospects.”

 

END

December 2010

Issued on behalf of TRI Cap by Eileen Prior, PR Consultant.
For further information contact Eileen Prior on 07802 180412, or email priorpr@btinternet.com

Visit www.tricapital.co.uk for more information.


 

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