9th October 2008 – for immediate release
Academics and researchers from across the world will gather
at Aston University in Birmingham, UK on Wednesday, October 15th to
celebrate the 30th anniversary of the start of the research project at
Aston which led to the discovery of the drug Temodal (temozolomide).
2008 is a double celebration because the drug is expected to reach blockbuster sales status of over US $1 billion this year.
Thirty years ago, a talented group of Aston University academics
formed an integrated anti-cancer drug research group in the School of
Pharmacy.
In 1978, Robert Stone, a local Aston graduate from Birmingham,
joined the research group and was given simple instructions to “make
some interesting molecules”. He did much more than that.
In 1980, he synthesised molecules which went on to have a major
impact in the development of cancer treatment worldwide. Methazolastone
(temozolomide) has now become the worldwide agent of choice in the
treatment of brain tumours (glioma).
And the temozolomide story is far from over. Sales continue to rise;
the drug is a favoured partner in new drug combinations and there are
real possibilities for extending temozolomide into additional
therapeutic areas.
PRESS INVITATION:
Please come and join us at the celebration. Meet the scientists and
hear their stories. Find out how the world’s leading brain cancer drug
was discovered in Birmingham.
When: Wednesday 15th October 2008
Where: Aston Business School Conference Centre, Aston University, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK.
Press call: 11am-12pm at Aston Business School.
There will be an opportunity to interview the main researchers involved
in the discovery of the drug and possibly meet a patient who has
received it (to be confirmed).
Please note that journalists and photographers wishing to attend the
press call must pre-register with the Press Office on +44 (0)121 204
4552 or via email at s.l.finn1@aston.ac.uk.
Please also note that car parking on the Aston campus is currently
limited due to ongoing building work taking place. We can only offer
on-campus parking for film crews who book in advance. Non-film crews
should park at Millennium Point, which is located near the campus. See www.millenniumpoint.org.uk for further details.
ENDS
For further press information please contact Sally Finn, Senior Press/PR Officer on 0121 204 4552 or email s.l.finn1@aston.ac.uk.
www.aston.ac.uk
Remaining programme for the day:
12:00 to 1:30 pm - Buffet Luncheon
1:30 to 3:00 pm - Tours of Aston Pharmacy School
3:00 to 5:00 pm - Formal programme to include talks
and presentations about the discovery of the drug. To include a look at
Aston University in the 1970s by Professor Carl Schwalbe; the story of
Temodal by Professor Malcolm Stevens; the patient perspective by Brian
Muller, Medical Director, Schering-Plough UK and Ireland; European
Competitiveness in Cancer Research by Professor J.G.McVie, Senior
Consultant, European Institute of Oncology, Milan and closing remarks
by Professor Julia King, Vice-Chancellor of Aston University.
5:00 pm - Cocktail Reception
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