The alliance creates a drug discovery bridge between UCB and Harvard scientists to continue their research that holds potential for the development of new therapeutic modalities in clinical medicine.
The first research project funded under the Harvard-UCB alliance is a collaboration with Harvard School of Public Health Department of Genetics and Complex Diseases Chair Gokhan Hotamisligil to generate and develop antibodies against a target with potential application in a range of diseases including diabetes and metabolic disorders.
UCB NewMedicines president Ismail Kola said Harvard will benefit from UCB’s strengths and industry experience in drug discovery and development; while Harvard’s research will complement UCB’s internal expertise.
Harvard chief technology development officer and Office of Technology Development head Isaac Kohlberg said its commitment to collaborate with industry in ways that push the boundaries of translational research and seek to develop next generation therapies that will make a difference in the lives of patients.