Our Story
CV6 Therapeutics began with a scientific question Dr. Robert Ladner has pursued throughout his career: Can disrupting the systems that protect DNA from uracil create a therapeutic vulnerability?
His research into dUTPase and uracil-DNA metabolism became the foundation for CV6’s investigational medicines and its Genomic Uracil Stress Response (GUSR) platform.
The Question That Started It
Early in his career, Dr. Ladner focused on how uracil in DNA shapes the activity of 5-FU and contributes to treatment resistance. His research helped characterize human dUTPase and examine its role in this biology.
A Different Path in Oncology
His work explored a therapeutic opportunity: established treatments can create metabolic vulnerabilities in cancer cells. CV6 is investigating whether targeting dUTPase can exploit the vulnerability created by thymidylate synthase inhibitor treatment.
Building the GUSR Platform
That research became the foundation for CV6’s approach. dUTPase helps limit uracil incorporation into DNA. When thymidylate synthase inhibitors restrict the supply of thymidine nucleotides, CV6-168 is designed to block dUTPase, increase DNA uracilation and trigger the Genomic Uracil Stress Response, leading to replication stress and DNA damage.
From Hypothesis to Clinic
CV6-168 is being evaluated in a Phase 1a trial across Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
CV6-1271 is a separate preclinical program for inflammatory disease. In preclinical arthritis models, it showed activity on its own and enhanced the response to methotrexate.
Meet Dr. Robert Ladner
“I like to fish where no one else is fishing.”
That mindset has defined Dr. Ladner’s career, from the University of Southern California laboratory once occupied by Charles Heidelberger, who developed 5-FU, to building CV6 in Belfast.
This conversation goes beyond the science, exploring the path behind the work, why it ultimately led to building a company in Northern Ireland, and some of the unexpected influences along the way.
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CV6-168 Named Therapeutics Innovation of the Year in 2026 BioTech Breakthrough Awards
Now in Phase 1a clinical development, CV6-168 is part of CV6’s Genomic Uracil Stress Response platform, which is developing first-in-class medicines for cancer and inflammatory diseases.
CV6 Therapeutics Named Innovative Company of the Year at the 2026 AIB Business Eye Awards
The award recognizes CV6’s first-in-class therapeutic programs, while Founder and CEO Dr. Robert D. Ladner also received Highly Commended recognition for Business Personality of the Year.
CV6 Therapeutics Named Team of the Year at Belfast Chamber Business Awards
At the Belfast Chamber Business Awards, held in partnership with Bank of Ireland, CV6 won Team of the Year, sponsored by Cathedral Quarter BID, Belfast, and received Highly Commended recognition for CV6-168 in Business Innovation, sponsored by Kingsbridge Healthcare Group.