Cambridge: Genzyme endows new post in multiple sclerosis

The US biotech Genzyme has endowed a clinical academic post at Cambridge University to carry out fundamental and translational research in the field of multiple sclerosis and other neuroimmunological diseases. This builds upon an existing multiple sclerosis research collaboration between Genzyme and the university.

Genzyme senior executive Mark Enyedy, who has primary responsibility for the company’s multiple sclerosis programme, said, “By creating this dedicated clinical academic post, we are ensuring continued progress against this disease where there is substantial unmet medical need.  We are also further extending our successful research partnership with one of the leading neuroscience programmes in the world.”

“This important gift is critical in maintaining the steady progress we have made towards defining the basis for treatment of multiple sclerosis and other neuroimmunological diseases,” said Alastair Compston, professor of Neurology and the head of the Department of Clinical Neurosciences at Cambridge. “It also provides an opportunity to understand the nature of human autoimmunity. We hope that in due course this funding will enable us to endow a clinical professorship”   

Genzyme and Cambridge researchers Alastair Compston and Alasdair Coles have been working together on the development of alemtuzumab, an antibody discovered at Cambridge, which is now in Phase III trials in patients with early relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Compston and Coles pioneered the early clinical development of alemtuzumab in multiple sclerosis, and were lead investigators of a Genzyme-sponsored Phase II trial

A four-year analysis of a sub-group of patients from the Phase II trial was presented last year at the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis.  “The four-year findings are consistent with the extended duration of response observed in our early studies with alemtuzumab in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis,” said Compston.  “The Phase II data are promising and we are continuing to understand the potential benefits and safety profile of alemtuzumab in the Phase III.”

The Genzyme and Cambridge research teams are also developing biomarkers to understand the best course of treatment with the drug.  “It is possible that through our ongoing work we could develop personalised medicine approaches to support optimal patient care,” Coles.

Genzyme recently doubled the size of its research facilities at Cambridge Science Park, the company’s first discovery laboratory outside of the US, which currently employs 90 people. The expanded site will provide support for clinical trials across Europe.