KU News Release

KU to temporarily lease lab space for local expansion by Deciphera Pharmaceuticals

LAWRENCE — Laboratory space temporarily available at the University of Kansas will soon be put to good use in a new and innovative way. Effective Nov. 1, it will be leased for an initial 18 months to a growing Kansas-based biosciences company in need of space to expand its operations.

Under the agreement, Deciphera Pharmaceuticals of Lawrence will lease 7,700 square feet in the Life Sciences Research Laboratory at Wakarusa Drive and Bob Billings Parkway. The space has been occupied by KU’s High-Throughput Screening Laboratory and Center of Excellence in Chemical Methodologies and Library Design. Both units have relocated to Phase III of the Structural Biology Center on KU’s west campus.

“This is a great opportunity for KU to help a new and expanding company stay and prosper in Kansas,” said Steve Warren, vice provost for research and graduate studies. “Deciphera is a growing company in need of additional scientific and laboratory space and KU welcomes them. This transaction reflects KU’s commitment to helping the state develop a strong and growing bioscience industry. We are hopeful this arrangement will also lead to future research collaborations with Deciphera.”

LaVerne Epp, chair of the Lawrence-Douglas County Bioscience Authority, expressed appreciation to KU for its decision to lease lab space to a local company.

“Deciphera has excellent prospects, and it’s on a growth curve,” he said. “It’s the kind of company we want to attract to Douglas County and keep in Douglas County. KU is helping us achieve that objective and it will benefit the whole community.”

Decipherawas established in 2003 as a drug discovery and development company. Daniel Flynn, who received a doctorate in medicinal chemistry from KU, is co-founder, president and chief executive officer. The company is developing a proprietary technology platform — Phylomechanics — for the discovery of drug candidates that control protein “switches” in the human body. These switches often malfunction in patients with cancer, arthritis and metabolic diseases. Deciphera is pursuing partnerships with pharmaceutical companies to further develop drug candidates.

-30-

The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. University Relations is the central public relations office for KU's Lawrence campus.