We have access to human tissue as a source of the stem cells and we have granted patents covering these processes. A spin-out of the University of York founded to translate the work of Professor Norman Maitland, Dr Anne Collins and their team in the YCR Cancer Research Unit from lab to clinic, Pro-Cure has access to one of the leading and most successful research competencies in cancer stem cells. With an initial focus on prostate cancer – the particular cancer type where Professor Maitland and his team have become renowned as world leaders – Pro-Cure has established major research tools, competencies, methodologies and intellectual property for the study of primary human CSCs. From this base we have identified several hundred genes which are differentially regulated specifically in the cancer stem cells themselves and which form the basis of our target validation and drug development. We have developed stem cell-specific assays to measure the different effects compounds may have on the properties of these initiator cells. We started by identifying specific gene targets in prostate CSC that would then allow the development of drugs against those targets, preventing growth of the cancer and leading to its eradication. The lead target from this work is a cell surface single pass transmembrane protein, which is up-regulated in prostate cancer stem cells. We’re now developing a humanised monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapeutic against this target. In parallel to this drug development activity, we’re validating multiple additional targets for use in internal drug development programs and/or for licensing out to others.