Yissum signs collaboration with Roche

Yissum Research Development, the technology transfer arm of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, has signed a long-term multi-project research and licence collaboration agreement with Roche.

Roche has chosen six research projects in stem cells, biomarkers, and new molecules for the treatment of metabolic diseases, initiated by Hebrew University researchers. Each collaborative research project will have a duration of 1-3 years. Following successful completion of the projects, Roche shall have the exclusive licence to commercialise the results for the payment of transfer fees, milestone payments and royalties.

The six projects are:

A novel pathway and new strategies for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity;

Novel technologies for minimising the risk of tumour development and for decreasing the risk of immunogenic rejection when using stem cells to treat human diseases; and novel technologies for converting embryonic and induced stem cells into liver cells;

Identifying novel biomarkers for progressive stages of vascular complications (e.g. ischemic heart diseases);

Novel ways to differentiate stem cells into beta cell lineages for organ transplants by using proprietary scaffolds;

Using cannabinoids for the treatment of diabetes type I and type II.

"Close collaboration between multinationals and the academy is the way into the future. The scientific complexity of diseases requires the collaboration of the best minds in the industry and the academy. We see this agreement as a major step in this direction," said Dr Giora Yaron, chairman of Yissum.