Redx Pharma, a U.K.-based group focused on early stage drug discovery and development, has entered into a research collaboration with AstraZeneca to discover and develop new molecules targeting a genetic driver of tumor growth and survival.

The research will complement AZ's strategic approach focused on genetic drivers of cancer and mechanisms of resistance to established and novel cancer therapies.

The research collaboration will involve Redx Pharma scientists working with AZ's oncology innovative medicines group to accelerate the drug discovery process. Redx Pharma will use its early stage drug discovery capabilities to identify novel leads whose further development will be supported by AZ.

Redx Pharma will receive an undisclosed upfront payment. In addition, Redx Pharma is potentially eligible for significant development and commercial milestones, as well as tiered royalties as the program progresses. AZ will have the sole rights to further develop and commercialize any program resulting from the collaboration to add to its portfolio of cancer medicines.

Susan Galbraith, AZ’s head of the oncology innovative medicines unit, said, “This partnership is based on our own early stage oncology research focused on the genetic drivers of cancer and allows us to build on our combined drug discovery expertise.”

Redx Pharma was one of the first tenants at the BioHub at Alderley Park in Cheshire, set up by AZ in 2013 to allow life sciences companies to benefit from Alderley Park's scientific heritage and state-of-the-art research facilities. AZ and Redx scientists will work together at Alderley Park, as well as at Redx's Liverpool facility where the project will be based.