Astex Pharmaceuticals

Since 1999, Astex Pharmaceuticals has pioneered fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) technology and development. Its drug discovery platform Pyramid™ identifies novel small molecule drugs that target key oncology and central nervous system diseases.

Credit – Astex Pharmaceuticals

Through the company’s innovations with Pyramid™, Astex has discovered two new cancer medicines: Kisqali and Balversa.

Backed by world-leading venture capitalists and in partnership with pharmaceutical titans including AstraZeneca, Novartis, GSK and Janssen, the Cambridge Science Park R & D team is in relentless pursuit of groundbreaking solutions that resolve the complex challenges associated with disease.

In July 2024, the drug capivasertib which was discovered by AstraZeneca following a joint venture with Astex, was approved by the MHRA for the treatment of breast cancer in the UK.

Career opportunities at Astex

Briony Quested