Sanofi-aventis, Harvard to Collaborate on Biomedical Research

(GSA.gov)

Sanofi-aventis, a global pharmaceutical company headquartered in Paris, and Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts said today they established a collaboration to conduct basic and applied research in human health and promote scientific exchange between their organizations. The collaboration will focus on translational biomedical research in therapies for conditions such as cancer, diabetes and inflammation.

Under the agreement, Harvard’s investigators will propose research projects, which will be reviewed for funding by a joint committee from both organizations. Projects will be funded based on their scientific merit and potential to generate translational — i.e., from bench to bedside — insight and value to biomedical research.  These awards are expected to provide Harvard researchers with financial support to enable research projects aimed at generating new knowledge and develop health care solutions in areas of need.

Sanofi-aventis says the collaboration offers an opportunity to develop diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic applications from these discoveries. The company will periodically evaluate technologies of potential interest that are identified by Harvard’s Office of Technology Development.  Sanofi-aventis will also host an annual scientific forum that will bring together company and university researchers to share knowledge and opinions, and review progress of research funded through the collaboration.

Related: Dana-Farber, Sanofi-aventis Partner on Cancer Research (Added 18 October 2010)