• SKIP TO CONTENT
  • SKIP NAVIGATION
  • Patient Resources
    • COVID-19 Patient Resource Center
    • Clinical Trials
    • Search Clinical Trials
    • Patient Notification System
    • What is Clinical Research?
    • Volunteering for a Clinical Trial
    • Understanding Informed Consent
    • Useful Resources
    • FDA Approved Drugs
  • Professional Resources
    • Research Center Profiles
    • Clinical Trial Listings
    • Market Research
    • FDA Approved Drugs
    • Training Guides
    • Books
    • eLearning
    • Events
    • Newsletters
    • JobWatch
    • White Papers
    • SOPs
    • eCFR and Guidances
  • White Papers
  • Trial Listings
  • Advertise
  • COVID-19
  • iConnect
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Home » Novogen, Genea Biocells partner

Novogen, Genea Biocells partner

May 5, 2014
CenterWatch Staff

Novogen, an oncology drug development company, is collaborating with Australian CRO Genea Biocells to accelerate testing of its super-benzopyran (SBP) drugs for degenerative diseases of the nervous system and muscles.

Preliminary research conducted by both companies found super-benzopyrans appear to be effective at promoting the “normalization” of stem cells associated with some forms of neurodegeneration and muscular dystrophy, genetic disorders that result in progressive deterioration of brain function or muscle strength and function.

"SBPs have already been shown to be highly effective at killing cancer stem cells, which were previously considered resistant to anti-cancer therapy. But in some of our studies, we found in certain instances some of these drugs actually appeared to normalize both the behavior and appearance of the cancer cells. It was that observation that set us on the path to testing their ability to do the same thing with stem cells carrying genetic disorders," said Graham Kelly, CEO of Novogen.

Genea Biocells focuses on embryonic stem cells with genetic disorders. The cells have been sourced from embryos donated by couples undergoing in vitro fertilisation and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). PGD enables the genetic testing of embryos before they are implanted to make sure babies born are not affected by a genetic disease. Genea is using those stem cell lines to test compounds to identify potential clinical development candidates.  

"Super-benzopyrans are the first drug class we have seen with the ability to selectively modulate misbehaving stem cells," said Uli Schmidt, general manager, Genea Biocells.

"Effected embryos identified during the PGD process cannot be used for implantation, but can instead be donated by patients to develop stem cell lines carrying the genetic disease. These disease-specific cell lines now can be used to test the effectiveness of exciting new compounds that are thought to counteract the disease. The testing of new molecules on individual stem cells holds great promise in the pursuit of new therapies," said Schmidt.

The collaboration will test the molecules in laboratory models across a range of degenerative diseases including infantile neuraxonal dystrophy, fascioscapularhumeral dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (motor neurone disease), Sanfillipo syndrome and Alzheimer's disease. It will pool respective resources, with each company retaining its own intellectual property rights and commercial opportunities.

Upcoming Events

  • 28Jun

    Effective Root Cause Analysis and CAPA Investigations for the Life Sciences

  • 16Oct

    WCG MAGI's Clinical Research Hybrid Conference - 2022 West

Featured Products

  • Spreadsheet Validation: Tools and Techniques to Make Data in Excel Compliant

    Spreadsheet Validation: Tools and Techniques to Make Data in Excel Compliant

  • Surviving an FDA GCP Inspection

    Surviving an FDA GCP Inspection: Resources for Investigators, Sponsors, CROs and IRBs

Featured Stories

  • Protocol-360x240.png

    Avoid Deviations by Making Protocol Review a Team Effort

  • SelectionProcess-360x240.png

    Give Us a Voice: Sites Clamor for a Say on Vendor Selection

  • Convince-360x240.png

    Use Data and Details to Convince Site Leadership to Add Staff

  • AsktheExpertsBadge-360x240.png

    Ask the Experts: Listing Trial Staff and Others on the Statement of Investigator

Standard Operating Procedures for Risk-Based Monitoring of Clinical Trials

The information you need to adapt your monitoring plan to changing times.

Learn More Here
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information

Footer Logo

300 N. Washington St., Suite 200, Falls Church, VA 22046, USA

Phone 617.948.5100 – Toll free 866.219.3440

Copyright © 2022. All Rights Reserved. Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing