Physiomics wins prostate cancer drug deal

13th Sep 2011 09:22

Physiomics, which makes computer models that simulate biological cell behaviour, has agreed to collaborate over development of a prostate cancer drug.The agreement with ValiPharam Limited will see Physiomics help test how the drug "VAL201" performs in combating tumour growth.In essence Physionomics attempts to fine-tune a drug before it enters into clinical trial, this includes working out optimum dosage levels, the scheduling for a particular drug and any combination of other treatments which could improve the chances of a patient beating cancer.All of this work happens on a computer, with the intention of reducing the cost and time of getting a drug to market.However the agreement with Valipharma is only over revenue sharing; it will not involve a fee.This reduces the risk for Valipharma as 80 to 90% of drugs do not make it through to commercial sale.Dr Mark Chadwick, chief executive of Physiomics, said:  "We are delighted to enter this new collaboration with ValiRx to advance VAL201.  This is another validation of the value added by Virtual TumourTM to an early stage oncology project." Physiomics shares rose 15% in early morning trading on news of the deal.BS