Pfizer, BioPontis Alliance in translational technology development agreement

BioPontis Alliance’s business model combines translational drug research with its own asset based investment fund.

BioPontis Alliance, through research alliances, looks for innovative science that has the potential to be translated into new treatments for cancer, inflammation, infectious diseases and neurology.

Pfizer will provide BioPontis Alliance with scientific and medical advice on the design of experiments and the product profile needed for a successful product development strategy.

Furthermore, the New York-based global pharmaceutical firm will evaluate and license early-stage therapeutic opportunities.

Pfizer External R&D chief scientific officer Uwe Schoenbeck said the gap between early science and translation into clinical applications presents an opportunity for industry and academia to collaborate in an unprecedented manner.

"We at Pfizer are committed to establishing productive relationships with academic scientists, and the BioPontis agreement complements other innovation initiatives at Pfizer, such as our Centers for Therapeutic Innovation," Schoenbeck said.

BioPontis Alliance president Barbara Handelin said Pfizer as a partner, who along with Merck, will help as they continue to expand the development bridge between academic partner inventors and the patients that rely upon translational research for improved health outcomes.