AbbVie and University of Chicago collaborate to advance cancer research
As part of the agreement, researchers from the University of Chicago and AbbVie will participate in an annual symposium to discuss research and evaluate potential new projects
The University of Chicago and AbbVie, a global biopharmaceutical company, have entered into a 5-year collaboration agreement designed to improve the pace of discovery and advance medical research in oncology at both organisations.
The joint strategic research agreement between AbbVie and the University of Chicago is designed to encourage and strengthen collaboration among researchers. Initially, both organisations will work together to advance research in several areas of oncology, which could include, among others, breast, lung, prostate, colorectal and haematological cancer.
Research projects are chosen by a joint steering committee, comprising representatives from each organization. AbbVie also gains an option for an exclusive license to certain University of Chicago discoveries made under the agreement.
‘University of Chicago researchers and clinicians have worked closely with AbbVie scientists in areas such as immunology and oncology for some time,’ said Kenneth S. Polonsky, MD, Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs at the University of Chicago and Dean of the Biological Sciences Division and Pritzker School of Medicine. ‘This agreement adds depth to that established and productive collaboration. The increased level of interaction should speed progress in medical care, beginning with cancer patients.’
As part of the agreement, AbbVie will provide funding for the collaboration that may be used for purposes including preclinical research, clinical trials and possible future programmes at the university resulting from this partnership.
‘Advancements in oncology — both at the basic science and clinical levels — are happening faster and more broadly every day,’ said Gary Gordon, MD, PhD, Vice President, Oncology Clinical Development, AbbVie. ‘Collaborating closely with the scientists and clinicians at the University of Chicago allows us to expand our own research efforts even further to benefit patients.’
‘This is a wonderful opportunity for our investigators to join forces with a leader in oncology and new drug development, accelerate the pace of discovery and deliver clinical benefits to our patients,’ said cancer specialist Everett Vokes, MD, professor and Chairman of Medicine at the University of Chicago. ‘This will support preclinical research, give our physician-scientists earlier access to drugs in the AbbVie pipeline and lay the groundwork for further interaction and collaboration.’