The latest spin-out company from the School of Life Sciences at the University of Dundee is at the forefront of international research into identifying drug targets in human cells - which could ultimately result in new treatments for life threatening diseases.
Kinasource Ltd. is using a powerful new biochemical technology called KESTRELŪ to identify key controller proteins in human cells that have fundamental roles in processes such as cell growth, division and death. One particular class of these proteins called "kinase substrates" have become increasingly important as drug targets. Therefore, identifying these proteins and how they can malfunction will enable scientists to develop new drugs to control cancer and other diseases.
So far, scientists understand the role of only around 20% of the 500 different kinase substrates in the human genome, so the potential for new discoveries which could help combat serious illnesses remains massive. Currently some 30% of all research spending on drug development is focussed on kinases, especially in research to combat cancer, immune diseases and diabetes.
Using KESTREL, which was developed in the laboratory of Professor Sir Philip Cohen, Director of the Medical Research Council Protein Phosphorylation Unit, Kinasource Ltd works to identify the role of kinase substrates for international companies within the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.
Kinasource is headed by Dr Axel Knebel, Managing Director. Other key staff include Dr Mairead Murnion, who has been awarded a prestigious Scottish Enterprise/Royal Society of Edinburgh Enterprise Fellowship and David Evans, MBA, former Chief Executive of Axis-Shield plc, who acts as Company Secretary. Two celebrated scientists, Professor Sir David Lane and Dr Dario Alessi, will be acting as scientific advisors to the company.
The company start-up has been financed by the founders. Kinasource receives development funding from Scottish Enterprise Tayside and is now preparing to enter discussions with private investors in order to accelerate growth.
The development of the business plan was assisted by the University Research and Innovation Services department and the BBSRC Business Plan Competition 2001.
Kinasource is currently based in the Medical Sciences Institute (MSI) at the School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee.
Contact: Dr Axel Knebel 01382 344746
By Jane Smernicki, Press Officer 01382 344768 j.m.smernicki@dundee.ac.uk