About us
We're an international consortium of researchers, clinicians, scientists in drug discovery and development, partners and impact investors with a shared commitment to creating new cancer therapeutics for children and young people.
Our mission
By working in collaboration and removing barriers to progress, we are creating a model to advance innovative treatments for childhood cancers.
Cancers that develop in children and young people (from 0-24 years old) often have different causes to cancers that arise in older people, yet the limited number of treatment options available are largely based on adult therapies. As a result, treatment options often involve non-targeted chemo-
and radiotherapy, which can be harsh and create lifelong side effects in developing bodies.
In addition, the targeted therapies being studied in children and young people are largely designed around the different biology of adult cancers. We are working to discover and advance new therapeutics developed specifically to address the complex biology of childhood cancers, addressing the disease and reducing the risk of future health complications.
Our vision
We envision a world where childhood cancers are treated effectively, with tailored, and well-tolerated treatments.
Together we’re combining expertise from around the world to create an innovation ecosystem that allows us to challenge conventional approaches to developing therapies and accelerate promising ideas towards better outcomes for children and young people living with cancer.
Who we are
Our leadership
C-Further is guided by individuals from our two founding partners, LifeArc and Cancer Research Horizons.
This dedicated team leverage their scientific and commercial expertise to set our strategic direction, seek new partners and investment, and manage day to day oversight of the consortium to ensure we achieve our vision.
Our governance
C-Further is governed by a Joint Steering Committee made up of the founding members from Cancer Research Horizons and LifeArc.
This group also governs decisions around research proposals with support from a Scientific Advisory Board.
Cancer Research Horizons
Cancer Research Horizons is the innovation engine of Cancer Research UK – the world's largest charitable funder of cancer research. The organisation takes cutting-edge innovations from the lab bench to the bedside, translating them into effective treatments and diagnostics for cancer patients.
To date, Cancer Research Horizons has played an instrumental role in forming over 70 spin-out companies. The organisation has helped bring 13 cancer drugs to market, borne out of Cancer Research UK's pioneering research. Through these drugs, Cancer Research Horizons has enabled in excess of 6 million courses of treatment for cancer patients across the world.
With access to Cancer Research UK's network of 4,000 exceptional researchers and its £400+ million annual research spend, Cancer Research Horizons is a powerful partner in the fight to conquer cancer.
LifeArc
LifeArc is a self-funded, not-for-profit medical research organisation and charity. LifeArc takes science ideas out of the lab and helps turn them into medical breakthroughs that can be life-changing for patients. The organisation has been doing this for more than 25 years and its work has resulted in five licensed medicines, including cancer drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda®), lecanemab for Alzheimer’s (Leqembi), and a diagnostic for antibiotic resistance.
LifeArc’s teams are experts in drug and diagnostics discovery, technology transfer, and intellectual property. The organisation’s work is in translational science – bridging the gap between academic research and clinical development, providing funding, research and expert knowledge, all with a clear and unwavering commitment to having a positive impact on patient lives.
Our approach
We'll bring together researchers, clinicians, scientists in drug discovery and development, partners and impact investors who share our commitment to children and young people. By working in collaboration and removing barriers to progress, we can create a model to advance innovative treatments for young patients.
We’re also committed to involving and engaging with people affected by children's and young people's cancers to guide, influence and shape the work of the consortium.
Our values
Transparency
We believe consistent communication with patients, researchers and partners creates important dialogue and is critical to advancing impactful therapeutics.
Dedication
Our team is relentless in our pursuit of a brighter future for children and young people living with cancer.
Collaboration
We will work with others who share our ambition of improving outcomes for children and young people affected by cancer, with the hope of leaving a long-lasting sustainable improvement for all.
Focus
Our priority never wavers – we are steadfast in our commitment to advancing new and better therapeutic options for children and young people living with cancer.