A significant new agreement between the University of East Anglia (UEA) and The Sir William Coxen Trust Fund will further progress vital research into childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancers. The Trust has generously pledged £370,000 to support Dr Darrell Green (BIO06) and his research team in the next phase of their groundbreaking work on sarcoma treatment, taking their innovative drug, Bensofib, closer to approval.
This crucial funding will enable the intermediate stage of drug safety tests, after the first-stage tests showed positive safety results and received the ‘green flag’ to continue, moving one step closer to making this life-saving treatment available to those who need it most.
Dr Green’s laboratory research is focused on the better understanding of the fundamental biological mechanisms that underpin how cancer spreads around the body, with this new knowledge being used to create a safer, more effective treatment for childhood bone cancer, which currently relies on brutal and outdated chemotherapies that leave lasting side effects. This new agreement builds upon the Trust’s longstanding commitment to supporting UEA’s cancer research efforts, allowing Dr Green and his team to continue making extraordinary progress towards a cure.
UEA’s Fight Against Childhood Bone Cancer
Each year, thousands of children, adolescents, and young adults worldwide are diagnosed with sarcoma - a cancer of the connective tissues such as bone and muscle. These cancers are particularly aggressive, poorly understood, and treated with highly toxic drugs and surgery that cause long-term damage and disability. However, Dr Darrell Green, a Lecturer in RNA Biology, based at UEA’s Norwich Medical School, believes his research can change that.
“Our ultimate goal is to develop new treatments that specifically target cancer cells while leaving the rest of the body unharmed,” explains Dr Green. “Current sarcoma treatments can lead to devastating side effects like limb amputation and heart and kidney toxicity. With our novel drug, Bensofib, we aim to not only reduce these effects but also improve survival rates for young people battling this disease.”
"Our ultimate goal is to develop new treatments that specifically target cancer cells while leaving the rest of the body unharmed,”
“With our novel drug, Bensofib, we aim to improve survival rates for young people battling this disease.”
Bensofib, also known by its drug compound name/number CADD522 in UEA’s research, has already cleared the first two stages of toxicology testing. Now, with the support of the Sir William Coxen Trust Fund, it is advancing through the next three phases of testing, marking a critical milestone on the path to a clinical trial involving patients.
“The work we’ve carried out so far represents the most significant advancement in sarcoma treatment in decades,” says Dr Green.
"And it was only made possible through philanthropic support, particularly from the Sir William Coxen Trust Fund, who have stood by us throughout this journey. Their ongoing commitment has been key to advancing our research."
"The work we've carried out so far represents the most significant advancement in sarcoma treatment in decades. And it was only made possible through philanthropic support, particularly from Sir William Coxen Trust Fund, who have stood by us throughout this journey. Their ongoing commitment has been key to advancing our research."
A Legacy of Support: The Sir William Coxen Trust Fund
The Trust has been a dedicated supporter of Dr Green’s research, not only funding the initial Bensofib efficacy and toxicology tests but also supporting initially through an MSc and then PhD studentship Emma Bull (BIO21), who is playing an essential role in the wider research programme investigating gene silencing in sarcoma biology. This funding has been fundamental not only in advancing the scientific understanding of sarcoma, but also in training the next generation of researchers.
Alderman Bronek Masojada from The Sir William Coxen Trust Fund said:
“We believe that investing in innovation and collaboration is key to making a lasting impact. We're proud to stand with UEA and Dr Green in this crucial fight against cancer. Together, we’re not just advancing science — we're giving hope to families and patients around the world”.
David Ellis (NBS09), Director of UEA’s Development, Alumni, and Campaigns Office, echoed this sentiment:
“The support of the Sir William Coxen Trust Fund has been pivotal in helping UEA drive forward research that could make a profound difference in the fight against childhood cancers. Their backing, and that of the City of London Corporation, is helping us take essential steps toward life-saving treatments, and we are deeply grateful for their partnership."
How You Can Help
“Following the completion of these next stages of testing, Dr Green’s team will then be able to apply for human clinical trial approval, bringing Bensofib closer to public rollout. But to reach this goal, we need your help
To find out more or to make a gift, please get in touch with the Development Office by email at giving@uea.ac.uk or by telephone on +44(0)7990 438106.
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Dr Darrell Green is grateful for the ongoing support of The Sir William Coxen Trust, which is helping propel his research towards a breakthrough in cancer treatment.
Dr Darrell Green is grateful for the ongoing support of The Sir William Coxen Trust, which is helping propel his research towards a breakthrough in cancer treatment.
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Thanks to the support of The Sir William Coxen Trust Fund, Emma Bull (pictured right) was able to study towards her PhD in Dr Darrell Green’s lab (pictured left).
Thanks to the support of The Sir William Coxen Trust Fund, Emma Bull (pictured right) was able to study towards her PhD in Dr Darrell Green’s lab (pictured left).
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Supporting a new generation of cancer researchers: Dr Darrell Green (left) is pictured in his lab with fellow researchers Amy Harden (centre) and Emma Bull (right).
Supporting a new generation of cancer researchers: Dr Darrell Green (left) is pictured in his lab with fellow researchers Amy Harden (centre) and Emma Bull (right).