Genzyme and ICGEB join forces to tackle neglected diseases

US biotechnology company Genzyme Corporation and the not-for-profit research and development organisation International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) have announced a new research collaboration to advance treatments for neglected diseases.

This collaboration will initially focus on the development of new, improved treatments for malaria. Scientists from ICGEB and Genzyme are currently targeting Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, increasingly resistant parasites that cause up to 65 per cent of malaria cases in India.

ICGEB has already begun to identify promising targets that, with the drug development expertise of Genzyme - which last year established a formal presence in India to collaborate with private and public institutions there - could lead to drugs that are effective against malaria.

The research will take place both in ICGEB’s laboratories in New Dehli, India and in Genzyme’s facilities in Waltham, Mass., USA. The collaboration includes an innovative approach to intellectual property rights, providing ICGEB rights to commercial uses within the field of neglected disease on a royalty-free basis.

“The biotechnology industry is in a remarkable position to address neglected diseases with novel technology, world-renowned scientists and research partners dedicated to a shared commitment to improve human health,” said Henri A Termeer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Genzyme Corporation.

“The ICGEB is unlocking new approaches to preventing malaria, and Genzyme is ready [to] build on their momentum and move these promising targets through the drug discovery process, ultimately bringing critical treatments to people at risk in the developing world. We look forward to building a productive, sustainable partnership with ICGEB.””

Virander Chauhan, Director of ICGEB, New Delhi, said, “We are excited about this new collaboration. Combining ICGEB’s domain knowledge in malaria with Genzyme’s expertise in drug development opens up new possibilities for the development of novel strategies to combat malaria.”

Welcoming the new initiative, Maharaj Bhan, Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology of the Indian Ministry of Science and Technology, said: “This is an innovative new model for translational research through public-private partnerships. My best wishes to ICGEB and Genzyme for a fruitful and successful collaboration.”