Foundations for a companion diagnostics of highly metastatic cancer tumors

Purpose and goal: We aim to establish a PoC for the idea to use the intracellular domain fragment of the TGFbeta type I receptor (TRI-ICD) as a

biomarker to visualize a therapeutically targetable pathway in cancer. We will validate the TRI-ICD binding by a monoclonal antibody in cancer by immuno-histochemistry and-fluorescence to confirm the applicability of this biomarker in companion diagnostics (CD). This will allow developing a novel CD tool and development of therapies targeting TRI-ICD in cancer. In the future, this might enable a personalized, highly specific approach in cancer treatment.

Expected results and effects:

The result will immediately contribute to the development of the Meta-CD antibody. The CD together with Meta-CD will create a package of much higher value than any of its components alone. MetaCurUm will commercialize the CD and targeted therapy package either as a bundle or as separate products during business development.

We will look for a licensing partner capable of leading an asset further down its development, through clinical phases up to market commercialization, alone or together with MetaCurUm. The partner needs to be an established global pharmaceutical company. Approach and implementation:

Our plan with four work packages (WP) has a total duration of 8 months. MetaCurUm will provide key components (the ab and cancer tissue samples), know-how and background data for the project. It will also provide the expertise and management, based on its staff experienced in the therapy development, and will coordinate the work of external experts.

Laboratory work will be performed by the Umeå University, with personnel with essential skills, required scientific equipment and facilities. This includes immunoassays, cell manipulation and culturing, and microscopy experts.