MedImmune, Univ. of Michigan to Partner on Biologics

University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor and MedImmune in Gaithersburg, Maryland have agreed to collaborate on research leading to new biologic therapies for a range of diseases. MedImmune is the biologics division of the global pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca.

Biologics are treatments or therapies developed through biological processes, such as genes or cellular products, rather than synthesized from chemicals. Researchers from Michigan’s Medical School and MedImmune are expected to cooperate on studies that translate lab findings into candidates for treating cancer initially, but also heart, digestive system, lung, and inflammation-related diseases.

The university says research conducted in this joint program, both pre-clinical and translational, will be designed to identify and confirm the specific molecules and genes involved in causing disease, and potential molecules and cell-based therapies to treat or prevent them. The scientists from the medical school and company plan to collaborate on projects, while preserving academic freedom, research integrity, and both parties’ rights to intellectual property for discoveries.

Read more: AstraZeneca, HealthCore Partner on Health Outcomes Research

Photo: Hey Paul/Flickr

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