Lean Life Science and Cancer Research UK Launch the Oncology Development Programme (ODP2) to Accelerate Development of High Impact Novel Cancer Innovations 

We are excited to be part of the Oncology Development Programme 2 (ODP2) the latest Development Programme focused on accelerating high impact novel cancer innovations. Launched by Lean Life Science and Cancer Research Horizons, ODP2 is open to the UK academic community and UK-based early-stage companies who have a defined oncology focused innovation.   

• Targeted programme to identify and accelerate novel oncology innovations into commercially attractive assets 
•  Supported by unique insights from a collaboration of leading pharma, CROs, and subject matter experts in residence from across the global oncology R&D ecosystem.  

Alderley Edge, UK – 22 November 2022: Today Lean Life Science (LLS), an organisation dedicated to catalysing innovation in life science through partnership, announces the opening of its flagship Oncology Development Programme – ODP2. In collaboration with four of the top ten global pharma companies, Cancer Research UK’s Cancer Research Horizons, Manchester Cancer Research Centre (MCRC) and over 20 specialist contract research organisations, ODP2 aims to identify, de-risk and catalyse commercially viable UK-based innovations to improve diagnosis and treatment of cancer and accelerate the translation of emerging cancer research for patient benefit.  

Applications are sought from academics and early-stage companies with a defined oncology focused innovation. ODP2 will give the next big UK-based breakthroughs in oncology access to bespoke expert scientific review, clinical study design, technical gap analysis, financial / business value modelling and integrated project planning.  

Up to 100 oncology innovations will be selected by the Programme Faculty Panel, to participate in a fully immersive one-day virtual masterclass on Tuesday 24th January 2023. Hearing directly from pharma, investors and other key industry experts, participants will gain insights into how oncology assets are assessed and developed. Participants will also receive a detailed overview of the programme and hear the first-hand experiences of previous participants.  

Delivered by a unique team of seasoned oncology R&D professionals, commercial, and investment specialists, ODP2 consists of three parts. Part one is the fully immersive one-day masterclass; Part two is a three-day deep dive into the highly successful Lean Life Science approach to developing oncology assets and securing investment and is an opportunity to engage directly with pharma and CRO experts; Part three, by application, will see selected participants work closely with the partners 7 to create and validate the integrated plans necessary to ensure successful development and attract potential funding. 

Ned Wakeman, CEO of Lean Life Science, commented: “I’m very pleased to be launching ODP2 in collaboration with Cancer Research UK, and to be officially announcing the opening of the application period. I am excited to drive this second oncology development programme. We have a proven approach which, in collaboration with our experienced sector experts, accelerates development of all participants’ innovations into more commercially viable and attractive investment opportunities.”  

Tony Hickson, Chief Business Officer at Cancer Research UK and Cancer Research Horizons, said: ” Building on the tremendous success of last years’ Alderley Park oncology development programme which engaged over 80 innovations from across the UK’s oncology community, we’re delighted to celebrate the launch of ODP2 as part of our Entrepreneurial Programmes Initiative. Again under the experienced guidance of the Lean Life Science team, ODP2 will continue to support the development of entrepreneurship among the UK’s cancer researchers with its unique comprehensive approach. Once again, I look forward to following the progress of the successful applicants as their innovations make the journey from bench to bedside.”  

Professor Rob Bristow, Director, Manchester Cancer Research Centre, added: “We are delighted to support ODP2 to encourage innovation at the interface of academia and industry as at the end of the day we are all here to bring new, potentially lifesaving treatments to patients. We are pleased to have the opportunity to provide the clinical insights which are so critical in the successful translation of innovations that deliver patient benefit.”  

For more information on applying for the programme, visit: leanlifescience.com