INNOVATION: DEVELOPING NEW DRUGS AND NEW DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS IN LAWRENCE
| 2014 Q4 | story by LIZ WESLANDER    | photos by STEVEN HERTZOG |
Tech

Deciphera lab

Hidden in plain sight among unassuming buildings in downtown and north Lawrence are two high-tech biotechnology companies that are working on innovative cancer treatments that could be available on the market in the future.

CritiTech, a Lawrence born-and-bred drug development company, operates both its labs and business offices in a space along E. 1450 Rd just north of downtown. Deciphera, with its business headquarters in Boston, Mass. has biology and chemistry labs located on the 600 block of Massachusetts Street- right across from the Free State Brewery.

Daniel Flynn, the CSO and Founder of Deciphera Pharmaceuticals, received his Ph.D. in medicinal chemistry at the University of Kansas. Flynn said that when he established Deciphera in 2003, he could have located the company’s research labs anywhere in the country. He chose Lawrence.

Tech

CritiTech lab equipment

“I wasn’t wooed here, I came voluntarily.” Flynn said. “Even back 10 years ago there was a beginning of a desire from the thought leaders of the city wanting to bring Lawrence forward as a regional biotech hub. I wanted to be a part of that.”

Deciphera’s labs were originally located at KU’s Life Science Research Laboratories, at 1501 Wakarusa. In 2011, they moved to their downtown location.

“It’s surprising that we would have a research lab above Chico’s and the Gap, but we worked with city commission to make them comfortable with being us downtown,” Flynn said. “Lawrence is a wonderful town to work in. At least a third of our hires have been KU graduates or KU-affiliated. We have had no problem tapping into the human resources that have been available here.”

Deciphera specializes in developing cancer-fighting pharmaceuticals that use a technology called kinase inhibitors. Kinases are enzymes that transmit signals within cells to help the cells function. Kinase have “switch” mechanisms that allow the enzymes to “turn on” to perform its function, and “turn off” when not needed. Mutations in a kinase switch can cause a kinase to remain on continually, which can cause a cell to become cancerous. Kinase inhibitors work by targeting the faulty kinase switch, which cuts off the ability of tumor cells to thrive and spread.

“Our approach to cancer is not the standard chemotherapy, which is designed to kill any cell whether it is cancer or not,” Flynn said. “Kinase inhibiters are targeted therapeutics – they go into a cell and target the runaway kinase. The side-effect profile is much more favorable this way.”

Flynn said that Deciphera has spent the past five to six years focusing on researching and developing its specialized kinase inhibitor technology platform to produce drug candidates. It now has five drug candidates at various stages development that utilize the company’s technology. The ultimate goal is to advance these candidates into human clinical trials so that they may ultimately be available on the market to treat cancer patients. Clinical trials measure outcomes and assess the safety and effectiveness of a new drug or combination of drugs. New pharmaceuticals undergo three phases of clinical trials before being approved for marketing. Deciphera currently has three drug candidates in Phase I clinical trials, including one that is being developed in partnership with pharmaceutical giant Eli Lily.

Tech

Dechipera, front row left to right: Cynthia Leary, Anjanette Wilhelm & Daniel Flynn. Back row: Mike Kauffman, Bryan Smith, Linda Martin, Susan McElwain & John Lord

Flynn said that partnering with Eli Lily in the early stages of clinical trials was in Deciphera’s best interest for this particular drug. However, the company plans to conduct Phase I trials for its other drug platforms in its Lawrence labs when possible. It will then seek strategic partnerships with pharmaceutical companies once the drugs have advanced to later phases.

“Our design is to finish Phase I clinical trials in-house,” Flynn said. “It is all about risk and reward. If we have internal phase-one data that looks good, that leads to more favorable partnerships in the future.”

Deciphera recently hired Mike Taylor, a veteran of the bioscience deal-making industry, to serve as its new president and CEO. Taylor communes between Lawrence and Boston offices.

“It’s great to have him on board,” Flynn said. “He brings a good business acumen to the company.”

Deciphera currently has 16 total employees between the Lawrence and Boston offices. Although the company is currently focusing its attention on a few of its drug platforms, Flynn said that Deciphera has no shortage of other drugs with the potential to advance into clinical trials.

“We have a backlog of assets,” Flynn said. “Most companies our size have one or two assets, and they live or die based on those. We have a wealth of riches in our war chest.”

Where Deciphera uses its technology to create new drug formulations to fight cancer, CritiTech specializes in reformulating and improving pharmaceuticals that are already on the market. CritiTech is currently working on a reformulated version of the widely administered chemotherapy drug, Paclitaxel. The reformulated drug, which CritiTech has named Nanotax, performed favorably in a recent Phase I clinical trial focusing on ovarian cancer patients at the KU Medical Center.

CritiTech reformulates existing drugs using proprietary technology that transforms existing drug formulations into very fine particles. The core base of CritiTech’s technology was developed at KU by researcher, Bala Subramaniam, and CritiTech has continued to evolve and expand this technology, according to CritiTech President Matthew McClorey. Reformulating existing drugs into smaller particles can have a number of benefits, including making drugs less toxic, more effective and easier to administer.

Tech

President of CritiTech Matthew McClorey

McClorey said that CritiTech’s reformulation of Paclitaxel into Nanotax is an ideal example of what can be done with CritiTech’s technology. Paclitaxel is currently administered to ovarian cancer patients intravenously using a toxic delivery agent called Cremaphor. By reformulating Paclitaxel into smaller particles using its technology, CritiTech’s reformulated version, Nanotax, can be administered straight into the abdomen using water or saline.

“This is important because the Cremaphor creates significant toxicity for the patients. And because the Paclitaxel is administered into the vein, those toxic effects are systemic,” McClorey said. “The results of Nanotax Phase I trial indicated that it can be delivered at the site of the tumor, in a higher concentration, for a longer period of time, and without the typical side effects and toxicity that is associated with the drug that is currently on the market.”

McClorey said that CritiTech plans to move Nanotax forward in advanced clinical trials, and hopes the drug will be on the market in a few years. He also said that there is a good possibility that Nanotax will be applicable to other cancers including breast, liver and colorectal.

“We think we can improve the lives of ovarian cancer patients with this drug,” McClorey said. “We need to do expanded trials to prove that out, but that is why we are doing what we are doing – to improve the quality of life for these women and hopefully help them to live longer.”

With a solid example of what CritiTech’s technology can do well under way, the company is now starting to offer the technology’s service to other drug companies. Just as CritiTech developed a new and improved version of Paclitaxel, it wants to help other pharmaceutical companies.

“We have started providing this third-party drug development in this past year,” McClorey said. “We have had some contracts coming in from companies that are exploring the use of our technology as applied to the compounds that they are developing. Just like we developed a new and improved version of Paclitaxel, we want to help other pharmaceutical companies develop a new and improved version of their products.”

Share.

170 Comments

  1. Thanks for your advice on this blog. Just one thing I would like to say is the fact that purchasing consumer electronics items on the Internet is certainly not new. The fact is, in the past decades alone, the marketplace for online gadgets has grown substantially. Today, you can find practically any specific electronic unit and devices on the Internet, which include cameras as well as camcorders to computer components and gaming consoles.

  2. Howdy! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this site? I’m getting tired of WordPress because I’ve had problems with hackers and I’m looking at options for another platform. I would be awesome if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

  3. It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d without a doubt donate to this fantastic blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to new updates and will talk about this website with my Facebook group. Talk soon!

  4. Thanks for the strategies you are discussing on this weblog. Another thing I’d really like to say is getting hold of some copies of your credit file in order to examine accuracy of each detail is the first step you have to undertake in repairing credit. You are looking to cleanse your credit report from detrimental details mistakes that ruin your credit score.

  5. Hi, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam feedback? If so how do you reduce it, any plugin or anything you can advise? I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any help is very much appreciated.

  6. I’ve observed that in the world today, video games include the latest craze with children of all ages. Periodically it may be extremely hard to drag your family away from the games. If you want the best of both worlds, there are numerous educational video games for kids. Interesting post.

  7. Can I simply just say what a comfort to uncover someone who really understands what they’re talking about online. You certainly understand how to bring a problem to light and make it important. More and more people have to read this and understand this side of your story. I can’t believe you’re not more popular given that you most certainly possess the gift.

  8. You are so awesome! I don’t think I’ve read anything like this before. So great to find somebody with a few unique thoughts on this topic. Seriously.. thank you for starting this up. This site is something that is needed on the web, someone with some originality.

  9. Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You obviously know what youre talking about, why throw away your intelligence on just posting videos to your weblog when you could be giving us something informative to read?|

  10. Many thanks for sharing these kinds of wonderful posts. In addition, an excellent travel along with medical insurance program can often eliminate those concerns that come with journeying abroad. Some sort of medical emergency can before long become costly and that’s certain to quickly set a financial load on the family finances. Setting up in place the ideal travel insurance offer prior to setting off is well worth the time and effort. Thanks a lot

  11. I just could not leave your site before suggesting that I actually enjoyed the usual info a person supply in your visitors? Is gonna be back frequently to inspect new posts|

  12. The very next time I read a blog, Hopefully it does not fail me as much as this one. I mean, Yes, it was my choice to read, however I actually thought you’d have something helpful to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of moaning about something that you could possibly fix if you weren’t too busy looking for attention.

  13. Have you ever considered publishing an e-book or guest authoring on other blogs? I have a blog based on the same ideas you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my viewers would enjoy your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e mail.|

  14. Please let me know if you’re looking for a article author for your weblog. You have some really great posts and I think I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d really like to write some material for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please shoot me an email if interested. Cheers!|

  15. Right now it appears like Drupal is the top blogging platform available right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?|

  16. Everything is very open with a really clear clarification of the challenges. It was definitely informative. Your site is useful. Thank you for sharing!

  17. Spot on with this write-up, I seriously believe that this amazing site needs a lot more attention. I’ll probably be returning to see more, thanks for the advice.

  18. Hello there! This post couldn’t be written much better! Looking at this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept preaching about this. I’ll send this article to him. Fairly certain he will have a great read. I appreciate you for sharing!

  19. Its such as you read my mind! You appear to understand a lot approximately this, such as you wrote the guide in it or something. I feel that you simply could do with some p.c. to drive the message home a bit, however other than that, this is fantastic blog. A fantastic read. I’ll certainly be back.|

  20. I needed to thank you for this great read!! I absolutely enjoyed every bit of it. I have got you book-marked to check out new things you post…

  21. Someone necessarily help to make critically articles I’d state. That is the first time I frequented your web page and up to now? I surprised with the analysis you made to create this actual post amazing. Magnificent process!|

  22. Wonderful site. A lot of useful information here. I’m sending it to several pals ans additionally sharing in delicious. And certainly, thank you to your effort!|

  23. Excellent web site you’ve got here.. It’s hard to find quality writing like yours nowadays. I truly appreciate people like you! Take care!!

  24. You’re so cool! I don’t believe I’ve read a single thing like this before. So nice to find somebody with some unique thoughts on this issue. Really.. many thanks for starting this up. This website is something that is required on the web, someone with a bit of originality!|

  25. One thing I’d like to say is that car insurance canceling is a terrifying experience and if you are doing the proper things as a driver you won’t get one. Lots of people do obtain notice that they are officially dropped by their particular insurance company and several have to struggle to get additional insurance after a cancellation. Cheap auto insurance rates are frequently hard to get after the cancellation. Understanding the main reasons regarding auto insurance cancellations can help individuals prevent sacrificing one of the most important privileges out there. Thanks for the thoughts shared by means of your blog.

  26. It’s amazing to go to see this web site and reading the views of all mates regarding this paragraph, while I am also zealous of getting familiarity.|

  27. Nice post. I used to be checking constantly this blog and I’m inspired! Very useful info specially the closing part 🙂 I care for such information a lot. I used to be looking for this particular info for a long time. Thanks and good luck. |

  28. Yesterday, while I was at work, my sister stole my apple ipad and tested to see if it can survive a forty foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad is now destroyed and she has 83 views. I know this is entirely off topic but I had to share it with someone!|

  29. First off I want to say excellent blog! I had a quick question in which I’d like to ask if you do not mind. I was interested to know how you center yourself and clear your thoughts prior to writing. I’ve had trouble clearing my thoughts in getting my thoughts out there. I do enjoy writing however it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are usually lost just trying to figure out how to begin. Any ideas or hints? Cheers!|

  30. My spouse and I absolutely love your blog and find nearly all of your post’s to be just what I’m looking for. Do you offer guest writers to write content for you personally? I wouldn’t mind creating a post or elaborating on a lot of the subjects you write concerning here. Again, awesome web site!

  31. Hi there very nice web site!! Man .. Beautiful .. Amazing .. I will bookmark your blog and take the feeds additionally?I am satisfied to find a lot of useful information here within the post, we need develop more techniques on this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .

  32. I blog often and I seriously appreciate your information. Your article has really peaked my interest. I am going to book mark your blog and keep checking for new information about once a week. I subscribed to your Feed too.

  33. Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an really long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyhow, just wanted to say excellent blog!

  34. I do accept as true with all of the ideas you’ve offered foryour post. They’re really convincing and will definitely work.Still, the posts are too quick for newbies. May just you please extend them a littlefrom subsequent time? Thanks for the post.

  35. Good day! I could have sworn I’ve visited this web site before but after browsing through some of the posts I realized it’s new to me. Regardless, I’m certainly happy I discovered it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back frequently.

  36. An outstanding share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a co-worker who has been doing a little homework on this. And he in fact ordered me lunch due to the fact that I found it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending time to talk about this topic here on your site.

  37. A fascinating discussion is worth comment. I think that you need to publish more about this subject, it might not be a taboo matter but typically folks don’t discuss these issues. To the next! Kind regards.

  38. One thing I would really like to say is the fact that car insurance cancelling is a dreadful experience and if you’re doing the correct things like a driver you may not get one. A number of people do get the notice that they’ve been officially dumped by the insurance company and many have to scramble to get further insurance after a cancellation. Inexpensive auto insurance rates are generally hard to get after a cancellation. Having the main reasons for auto insurance cancellation can help drivers prevent completely losing in one of the most critical privileges readily available. Thanks for the tips shared by your blog.

  39. I have realized that online degree is getting preferred because obtaining your degree online has developed into a popular alternative for many people. Quite a few people have definitely not had a chance to attend a traditional college or university although seek the raised earning potential and a better job that a Bachelors Degree provides. Still some others might have a degree in one course but would choose to pursue another thing they now have an interest in.

  40. One other issue is that if you are in a circumstances where you do not possess a cosigner then you may really need to try to wear out all of your money for college options. You can get many grants and other scholarships or grants that will offer you finances to aid with university expenses. Many thanks for the post.

  41. I have observed that good real estate agents all over the place are Promotion. They are realizing that it’s not just placing a poster in the front property. It’s really pertaining to building human relationships with these dealers who someday will become buyers. So, while you give your time and effort to supporting these retailers go it alone — the “Law of Reciprocity” kicks in. Good blog post.

  42. Thanks a lot for the helpful article. It is also my opinion that mesothelioma cancer has an very long latency time, which means that symptoms of the disease might not emerge till 30 to 50 years after the preliminary exposure to mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma, which can be the most common sort and impacts the area throughout the lungs, could potentially cause shortness of breath, chest pains, and also a persistent cough, which may lead to coughing up blood vessels.

  43. Hey there just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let you know a few of the images aren’t loading correctly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different browsers and both show the same outcome.

  44. One thing I would really like to say is that often before purchasing more pc memory, look into the machine in to which it can be installed. Should the machine is definitely running Windows XP, for instance, a memory threshold is 3.25GB. Applying in excess of this would basically constitute a waste. Be sure that one’s mother board can handle an upgrade volume, as well. Interesting blog post.

  45. hi!,I like your writing so much! share we communicate more about your post on AOL? I need a specialist on this area to solve my problem. May be that’s you! Looking forward to see you.

  46. Hello there! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be ok. I’m undoubtedly enjoying your blog and look forward to new posts.

  47. We absolutely love your blog and find almost all of your post’s to be what precisely I’m looking for. Would you offer guest writers to write content to suit your needs? I wouldn’t mind writing a post or elaborating on many of the subjects you write related to here. Again, awesome site!|

  48. I truly love your website.. Pleasant colors & theme. Did you develop this web site yourself? Please reply back as I’m looking to create my own website and would like to know where you got this from or exactly what the theme is called. Many thanks!|

  49. Heya! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any issues with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing several weeks of hard work due to no back up. Do you have any solutions to prevent hackers?

  50. What i do not understood is in reality how you are no longer actually a lot more neatly-appreciated than you might be now. You’re so intelligent. You realize thus significantly in relation to this matter, produced me individually believe it from numerous varied angles. Its like women and men aren’t involved except it?s something to accomplish with Woman gaga! Your individual stuffs excellent. At all times take care of it up!

  51. Fantastic web site. Lots of helpful info here. I?m sending it to some friends ans additionally sharing in delicious. And of course, thank you on your sweat!

Leave A Reply