20 March 2025
Our translational science
We're tackling the biggest challenges in developing cancer treatments with our innovative approach to drug discovery and development.
Our bold drug discovery model embraces risk to drive forward early-stage projects, with a focus on creating a pipeline of breakthrough medicines for cancer patients.
Expertise spanning drug discovery and development
We build on Cancer Research UK's impressive track record of innovative research to bridge the gap between academia and the life science industry. We're committed to driving therapeutic innovation in oncology, with six drug discovery sites and one focus: accelerating the discovery and development of new therapeutics.
Drug discovery
Our capabilities
Our expertise spans target identification, validation and clinical positioning, through Hit identification and lead optimisation to the selection of candidate drugs for regulatory development, for both small molecule and antibody modalities.
Clinical development
Partnered capabilities
Our partnership with the Cancer Research UK Centre for Drug Development offers the capabilities and infrastructure needed to demonstrate clinical potential
With a team of over 100 scientists and operational staff, their clinical expertise spans the full breadth of drug development.
Spotlight on our Functional Genomics Centre
Our state-of-the-art centre leverages the combined global strengths of Cancer Research UK’s world-class scientific network and AstraZeneca’s oncology drug discovery and development experience to drive scientific innovation.
"Single-cell CRISPR screens provide direct genotype to phenotype correlation. A key benefit of having a single-cell CRISPR platform is the increased knowledge gained on potential drug targets, which increases the chances of finding the right target for drug discovery."
-Functional Genomics team
Our governance
Our drug discovery strategy is overseen by the Therapeutic Innovation Board, comprising world-leading experts in the fields of oncology and drug discovery, who are committed to improving outcomes for patients.
Translate your discoveries with the Therapeutic Catalyst award
Funding opportunity
Our Therapeutic Catalyst award, managed jointly with Cancer Research UK, is designed to support exploratory drug discovery efforts to validate and de-risk targets and technologies and position them for onward investment and progression. As a researcher, it means that you have the potential to take your idea from bench to patients with a single funder and partner.
Want to know more about our scientific capabilities and drug discovery approaches?
We're seeking new partnerships to advance the next generation of cancer medicines.