Sentinel, Oncothyreon In Tumor Program Pact

Sentinel Oncology Ltd. and Oncothyreon Inc. have entered a collaboration agreement for the development of Sentinel’s Checkpoint Kinase 1 (Chk1) program. Oncothyreon will fund additional research at Sentinel directed for the Chk1 target, and will have an exclusive license to develop and commercialize any resulting compounds. Sentinel is eligible to receive preclinical, clinical and commercial milestone payments of as much as $174 million, and royalties on sales.
 
Sentinel has developed a series of potent, selective, orally active Chk1 kinase inhibitors as chemo- and radio-sensitizers. The Chk1 protein has been shown to selectively sensitize tumor cells to DNA damaging agents, enabling effective lower doses and reduction in associated side effects.
 
Robert L. Kirkman, M.D., president and chief executive officer, Oncothyreon, said, “We are pleased to add to our oncology pipeline through this collaboration with Sentinel. Selective inhibitors of Chk1 have implications across a broad range of cancer types and we believe this program has the potential to make a positive impact on the lives of many cancer patients.”
 
Bob Boyle, chief executive officer of Sentinel, said, “We are delighted that Oncothyreon has recognized the value of our Chk1 program. It is an exciting target, and we look forward to capitalizing on Oncothyreon’s expertise in order to drive the program forward into clinical studies.”