In the past year, Ascenion intensively accompanied the spin-off amcure as part of the Spinnovator programme. This start-up from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) developed an active agent for the treatment of cancer. In model systems, the peptide is not only able to stop the growth of primary tumours, but also prevents the development of metastases. Should these observations be confirmed in cancer patients, this would represent a significant breakthrough in cancer therapy. ‘More than 90% of cancer patients don’t die from the primary tumour,’ explains Ascenion’s project manager, ‘but from metastases.’ In December 2015, the BMBF confirmed Spinnovator funding of EUR 1.9 million for amcure. In addition, a consortium of private investors confirmed they would be providing an equivalent sum. Together, these funds enable the commencement of clinical studies in 2016.
(Annual Review 2015)
