Heptares, University of Cambridge Partner on R&D for Cardiovascular Target

Heptares Therapeutics (“Heptares”), the wholly-owned subsidiary of Sosei Group Corporation (TSE Mothers Index: 4565), announces the launch of a new research collaboration, under its ORBIT initiative, with the University of Cambridge.

This new collaboration will support a three-year programme with the academic group of Dr Anthony Davenport at the Department of Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics at the University of Cambridge. Research activities will focus on the discovery of novel molecules that target and modulate the apelin receptor, a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) found on the surface of cells in the lung, heart and vascular system, and implicated in a range of cardiovascular diseases.

Dr Davenport commented: “We have made great strides in recent years to increase our understanding of the role of the apelin receptor system and its involvement in cardiovascular diseases. It is an exciting target and we are delighted to be advancing this research with Heptares to better understand the role of apelin and related peptides with a view to informing the optimal way of targeting the apelin system for treating cardiovascular diseases.”

Fiona Marshall, Chief Scientific Officer of Heptares, said: “The collaboration with Dr Davenport’s group is a great example of how the ORBIT programme supports our strategy to expand the reach of our technology to new targets, in particular through an investment in translational medicine and understanding the role of GPCRs through studies on human tissues. The apelin receptor is emerging as an exciting new target in the regulation of cardiovascular function and offers a unique approach to treat a number of serious cardiovascular diseases.”