Project aims to accelerate Multiple Sclerosis drug discovery and development
The joint action will capitalise on synergies between MRC Technology’s expertise in translating novel, promising biology into lead stage therapeutics, and the management of associated intellectual property, with the experience the MS Society has in supporting academic research into MS for better understanding of the condition and development of new treatments.
The MS Society will provide early translational funds for selected projects, with expected awards of up to £150,000 over two years. Upon completion, projects will be evaluated for progression into small molecule or therapeutic antibody projects by MRC Technology. Interested researchers are asked to visit callfortargets.org/ms
Mike Johnson, Director of Corporate Partnerships at MRC Technology, said “This new partnership with the MS Society builds on our already strong working relationship. By accessing MS targets discovered by MS researchers, we hope to begin the journey towards new treatments for this condition”.
Dr Susan Kohlhaas, Head of Biomedical Research at the MS Society said: “With an estimated 100,000 people living with MS in the UK it is essential that we drive forward research aimed at improving the lives of people with the condition. We’re delighted to be working with MRC Technology and capitalising on their expertise in identifying targets that have the potential to become new therapies.”
Supporting technology transfer and PI management efforts, MRC Technology set up its drug discovery laboratories in order to bridge the gap between innovative, early stage academic research and the development of intellectual property suitable for licensing to industry for further development and commercialisation. De-risking novel targets by providing proof of concept and pharma-quality data packages fulfills a clear need in the drug discovery process. The collaboration opens the MRC Technology laboratories up to a new source of targets from the MS research field.