Under the terms of the agreement, Bayer Schering Pharma will evaluate the ability of the peptides to switch off the activity of the protein leptin in a first evaluation phase. After the evaluation period, both parties have the option to enter into a license agreement for the technology, the major terms of which have been agreed.

Leptin triggers the growth of different types of cells, including endometrial cells, and has been linked to angiogenesis (new blood vessel growth). It is hoped that blocking leptin’s action will offer a potential new treatment for a range of cancers and gynaecological diseases.

The leptin antagonists were first developed at the Boston Biomedical Research Institute (BBRI) in the USA by Dr Paul Leavis and Dr Ruben Gonzalez, who have shown that the peptides are effective in blocking the effects of leptin in several diseases.

Cancer Research Technology – through its US subsidiary, CRT Inc – had agreed with BBRI to market and commercialize the technology and provided support to BBRI for further development of the inhibitors. This agreement represents the successful outcome of these activities.

Larry Steranka, managing director of CRT Inc, said: ‘We’re delighted to have worked alongside BBRI to partner its technology with the right commercial partner to take forward the development of potential new treatments.

‘We’re looking forward to using our expertise and access to the international community to connect other US institutions with industrial partners and assist in the commercialization of their technologies.’