Sanofi signs translational research deal with Harvard

pharmafile | October 18, 2010 | News story | Research and Development Harvard, Sanofi-Aventis, academia, translational 

Sanofi-Aventis is to collaborate on translational biomedical research with Harvard University in therapy areas such as cancer, diabetes and inflammation.

The purpose of the tie-up, says Sanofi R&D executive vice president Marc Cluzel, is to promote “open scientific exchange” between Harvard’s biological researchers and Sanofi’s drug development teams.

Translational medicine covers an array of new techniques that are helping accelerate the development of basic medical research into treatments for patients.

Under the terms of the agreement, Harvard will propose research projects and a joint Sanofi/Harvard steering committee will decide which ones to back with funding, based on scientific merit and potential to generate translational value to biomedical research.

Sanofi will then be able to develop diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic applications of discoveries – from time to time the French manufacturer will look at technologies identified by Harvard’s Office of Technology Development (OTD) as being of interest.

OTD is the body responsible for evaluation, patenting and licensing of new discoveries made at the university and Harvard Medical School.

“I’m delighted by the collaboration with Sanofi-Aventis, which joins together leaders in academic research and industry to more rapidly advance groundbreaking research from the lab to the clinic,” said Harvard provost Steven Hyman.

Sanofi will also host an annual scientific forum which will allow the company’s researchers and those from Harvard to share knowledge and review progress of funded projects.

“Our relationship with Harvard underscores Sanofi-Aventis’ approach of leveraging our innovative internal resources while actively engaging a range of external partners,” Cluzel said.

“This collaboration exemplifies Harvard’s commitment to creatively partner with industry in ways that we hope will push the boundaries of translational science, and advance our mandate of serving the public interest by making the fruits of our research available to society,” concluded Hyman.

Adam Hill

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