LA JOLLA, Calif., May 23, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The California Institute for Biomedical Research (Calibr) has received a Translation Award from the Wellcome Trust to develop a novel semi-synthetic antibody-based immunotherapy to treat hormone-refractory prostate cancer.  The novel therapeutic agent engages the patient's own immune system to selectively destroy prostate tumor cells. This approach offers a potentially more efficacious and safer alternative to traditional chemotherapy for the treatment of hormone-refractory prostate cancer, for which current therapies are ineffective. Leveraging ongoing preclinical research efforts and infrastructure at Calibr, the grant provides complete support to progress the agent to investigational new drug status, including preclinical efficacy, GMP manufacturing and safety studies, which if successful set the stage for an industry-partnered Phase 1 clinical trial.

'The partnership with the Wellcome Trust exemplifies Calibr's strategy of rapidly translating innovative research into new medicines that address major unmet needs,' said Dr. Peter Schultz, the Institute Director and founder of Calibr, 'We're delighted to move this program towards the clinic with support from the Trust.'

About Calibr: Calibr is an independent non-profit institute (established in 2012) with the goal of accelerating the translation of basic biomedical research to innovative new medicines that address major health challenges.  Calibr is based on a collaborative model that matches its preclinical drug discovery infrastructure, platforms, and know-how with the deep expertise of the world's leading disease biology labs.  Calibr has established relationships with leading academic labs, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, as well as several foundations to build a diverse portfolio of projects and advance them toward the clinic. Calibr is led by Peter G. Schultz, Ph.D., a world-renowned chemist and biotechnology entrepreneur. Located in La Jolla, CA, Calibr has more than 80 scientists and staff in newly built labs located in close proximity to The Scripps Research Institute, The Salk Institute, and UC San Diego.

About the Wellcome Trust:  The Wellcome Trust is a global charitable foundation dedicated to achieving extraordinary improvements in human and animal health. It supports the brightest minds in biomedical research and the medical humanities. The Trust's breadth of support includes public engagement, education and the application of research to improve health. It is independent of both political and commercial interests.www.wellcome.ac.uk

Contact:
The California Institute for Biomedical Research (Calibr)
Matt Tremblay, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Operations
(858) 242-1005  
mtremblay@calibr.org

SOURCE The California Institute for Biomedical Research