UCB has entered a new multi‑project strategic alliance with Cancer Research UK and its innovation arm, Cancer Research Horizons, aiming to accelerate the development of novel oncology candidates by combining complementary scientific and clinical strengths.
The agreement builds on a collaboration announced in 2023 between UCB and Cancer Research UK’s Centre for Drug Development, which has already advanced two antibody drug candidates into ongoing clinical trials across UK and European sites.
The expanded alliance now incorporates earlier stage discovery and preclinical programmes, with UCB drawing on Cancer Research UK’s oncology expertise, access to leading investigators and extensive drug development capabilities.
Under the new framework, Cancer Research UK’s Centre for Drug Development and Cancer Research Horizons’ Therapeutic Innovation teams will work with UCB to progress selected therapeutics from research through to early clinical development.
For each project entering the alliance, the Centre for Drug Development will design, prepare, sponsor and run a phase 1/2 clinical trial. UCB has nominated two additional projects from its internal pipeline to join the partnership.
Research and development costs will be shared, with UCB retaining exclusive rights to further develop and commercialise all programmes. Cancer Research Horizons will receive undisclosed milestone and royalty payments tied to downstream progress.
Lars Erwig, Director of the Centre for Drug Development at Cancer Research UK, said: ‘This alliance exemplifies our mission to translate exceptional science into life changing treatments for people with cancer. By integrating our oncology expertise with UCB’s strengths in molecule discovery, we can accelerate the development of innovative therapeutics with the potential to make real impact for patients.’
Alistair Henry, Executive Vice President & Chief Scientific Officer at UCB, explained: ‘Partnering with CRUK’s Centre for Drug Development and Cancer Research Horizons allows us to harness their world‑class oncology expertise and clinical insights, complementing UCB’s strengths in discovery and development. This collaboration is a testament to the power of strategic alliances and creates a unique synergy that will enable us to advance promising therapies more efficiently and effectively.’
