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news.AstraZeneca, along with its subsidiary MedImmune, has entered into four new collaborations with the University of Cambridge.
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The new agreements were based on the existing strategic partnership, which includes an oncology research program and co-location of AstraZeneca scientists at the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute.
The move strengthens the company’s aim of creating a permeable research infrastructure in Cambridge.
Under the three-year deal, the companies and the university will conduct research activities on neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers from three parties will work together to address gaps in drug discovery, translational biomarkers and personalised healthcare approaches for diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis.
The University will contribute with its expertise in disease biology, and provide experimental models and tissue samples for the program.
The deal will see the two companies offer access to molecular tools, screening capabilities as well as drug development expertise to enable new target and biomarker discovery and validation.
University of Cambridge neurology professor Alastair Compston said: "This strategic partnership will promote an increased understanding of disease mechanisms and enable work in basic neuroscience to address unmet therapeutic needs in a variety of serious neurodegenerative diseases."
A material transfer agreement (MTA) will provide university researchers access to major compounds from AstraZeneca’s pipeline for investigation.
These compounds include the EGFR inhibitor AZD9291 for non-small cell lung cancer, olaparib, a PARP inhibitor, AZD2014, an mTOR inhibitor and AZD5363, an AKT inhibitor.
The collaboration also includes a doctoral training program, under which the candidates will spend significant time at the university and in MedImmune’s laboratories.
For this program, MedImmune will provide support and advice on major issues such as drug and technology development, business planning, intellectual property, market opportunity, partnering approaches and securing investment.
Image: AstraZeneca headquarters in London, UK. Photo: courtesy of AstraZeneca plc.