EiRx Therapeutics, Cork
Finbarr Murphy, Managing Director
"EiRx Therapeutics Ltd is a fast-growing company that was set up originally to discover and commercialise new drug targets that control the process of apoptosis - or "programmed cell death". EiRx's primary focus is the manipulation of this process in order to treat cancer.
In 2003, EiRx developed an in-house drug discovery capability that would allow us harness the company's understanding of apoptosis, enabling selection of new drugs that work against apoptosis targets identified using the company's ALIBITM target discovery platform.
EiRx was introduced to the Marie Curie Transfer of Knowledge programme through the Irish Universities Association (IUA). Following discussions and guidance with the Marie Curie Office at IUA, EiRx management submitted a proposal, seeking funding to support our drug development plans via the recruitment of three new researchers. The team was delighted to receive a positive evaluation and awarded a grant that funded the salaries for these key people.
For EiRx, the impact of winning the Marie Curie award has been profound. The company has been able to develop the desired Drug Discovery capability, whilst maintaining an appropriate level of investment in its other activities. The integration of these new scientific disciplines into the company, has broadened the company's skill base. Their talents have already contributed to the identification of new drug candidates with selective activity against a number of colorectal and breast cancers.
Interaction with the people at the Marie Curie Office at IUA. has proven to be a valuable resource, and one that EiRx would strongly recommend potential applicants to fully utilize. IUA colleagues were on hand to assist our application and above all to help us clearly communicate the value of our proposal."
