Amsterdam UMC launches startup to develop innovative treatment for pancreatic cancer
Amsterdam UMC has joined forces to launch a new startup dedicated to developing a novel treatment for pancreatic cancer. The need is urgent, as current therapies offer patients a very limited life expectancy. The diabetes drug fenformine may offer a new way forward.
Launch of Pepper Therapeutics
Earlier preclinical research has shown that the drug fenformine can inhibit tumour growth. Pepper Therapeutics is the name of the new start-up that will use this finding to develop a new therapy for pancreatic cancer. No fewer than five renowned partners are joining forces in this company: Amsterdam UMC, Erasmus MC, Overleven met Alvleesklierkanker (Living with Pancreatic Cancer) Foundation, RARE-NL Foundation and Orfenix.
Hanneke Wilmink, medical oncologist at Amsterdam UMC, identified a potential role for fenformine as a treatment for pancreatic cancer. Now that several parties have joined forces, the time has come to conduct the necessary clinical studies. Hanneke explains: “The pace at which treatments for pancreatic cancer improve may be slower than we would all like, but we should not underestimate the impact of many small steps.” “With Pepper Therapeutics B.V., we want to translate that promise into clinical studies and an affordable treatment.”
Socially driven innovation
Pepper Therapeutics also has a clear social mission. Its three core objectives are: affordability, social responsibility and broad accessibility. The aim is to ensure that the price of the treatment remains affordable for both patients and healthcare organisations.
Driving force
The creation of Pepper Therapeutics has been driven largely by Amsterdam UMC in close collaboration with Erasmus MC. Business Developer Marianka van der Tol was also closely involved in bringing together the necessary expertise and in setting up the new company. Would you like to know more about the services IXA offers to researchers? Please contact Marianka via:
