Using a translational approach, this initiative endeavours to combine the strengths Sanofi and Curie-Cancer to greatest effect, facilitating greater understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying ovarian cancer with the specific aim of designing new drugs.
Curie-Cancer oversees the collaborative efforts of the Institut Curie, one of the leading cancer centres in Europe. Their extensive basic knowledge surrounding ovarian cancer is epitomised by a large collection of well-characterised cryopreserved tumour samples, which can be analysed to identify biological targets relevant to the effective treatment of certain types of cancer.
Through this collaboration, technology developed at the Institut Curie will be used to differentially analyse gene expression profiles of these samples compared to non-tumour tissues. Combined with Sanofi's experience in the selection of therapeutic targets, guided by their research and product development teams, this collaboration aims to identify potential new targets, ultimately highlighting new treatment avenues.
"We hope this type of long-term collaboration will ultimately open up perspectives for new therapeutic options for women with this disease," said Dr. Debasish Roychowdhury, senior vice president and head of Sanofi Oncology. "This research agreement is a good example of translational research involving French scientific excellence."
The Sanofi and Curie-Cancer collaboration highlights a growing trend of partnerships, not just between pharmaceutical companies and research institutes, but also within industry. Last year, Sanofi partnered with GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, Janssen, Sanofi and Basilea Pharmaceutica on an initiative launched by the European Union’s Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI), NewDrugs4BadBugs, a seven-year, €223.7 million (US$280 million) effort towards targeting antibiotic resistance. Many leading scientists argue that collaborations such as these have hold great potential in terms of tackling major medical and public health issues, if they can set terms and goals that are of benefit all those involved.