Sirtex Collaboration with the National Cancer Centre of Singapore
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Sirtex Medical Limited has announced that it has signed a Master Research Collaboration Agreement with SingHealth.
Under this agreement researchers from Singapore General Hospital (SGH) and National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) will explore the potential of a new technology known as Carbon Cage Nanoparticles to develop a new generation of cancer therapies.
Developed by the Australian National University, Carbon Cage Nanoparticles can safely deliver radioactive substances to specific cancer sites deep within the body.
The nanoparticles may even evade detection by patients’ immune systems, improving their ability to target specific cancers.
SingHealth’s team of leading medical scientists and physicians have been quick to recognize these unique properties and the many potential applications of this technology that may represent a breakthrough in the treatment of a range of different cancers.
The master agreement will comprise several research projects. The first will evaluate the technology’s use in the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer that has spread within the abdominal and pelvic cavities.
Ovarian cancer is a common cancer in women and has few or no symptoms in its early stages. As a result, most women are diagnosed late, when the disease has spread and prognosis is poor.
A variety of other gastro-intestinal, hepato-biliary and female genito-urinary cancers may potentially benefit from such a treatment approach.
Mr Gilman Wong, Chief Executive Officer, Sirtex said, “Over the past six years Sirtex has been working with the Australian National University to develop a leading position in nanoparticle IP that may be developed for the treatment of human cancers in areas of unmet clinical need. This Master Research Collaboration Agreement with SingHealth is a milestone in the development of Sirtex’s Carbon Cage Nanoparticle technology and brings together a leading group of physician scientists from the National Cancer Centre of Singapore with a strong track record of transitioning new technologies into the clinic.”
Professor Soo Khee Chee, Deputy Group CEO (Research and Education), SingHealth, and Director, NCCS said “Sirtex’s partnership with SingHealth is a clear testimony of our capability to provide high quality pre-clinical and translational research that can be used to develop new products. Collaborations with industry partners such as Sirtex provide new, cutting-edge technologies that allow us to offer our patients better treatment options, faster.”
