Ipsen signs R&D agreement with Harvard University
Also strengthens presence in US by opening Ipsen Bioscience centre in Cambridge, MA
Paris, France-based biotechnology company Ipsen has signed a multi-year research alliance with Harvard University in Cambridge, MA, US, with the aim of stimulating new research projects.
The agreement will enable researchers at the two organisation to collaborate on projects in the areas of neuroendocrine tumours, neuromuscular disorders, and technologies related to toxins and peptides.
The agreement builds upon an existing, three-year programme initiated in July 2013 in which the Harvard laboratory of Dr Min Dong, with Ipsen, is engineering novel recombinant botulinum toxin molecules that may improve existing treatments for neuromuscular tremors and spasms.
Ipsen is also continuing its push into North American markets with the opening of its new R&D centre, Ipsen Bioscience, in Cambridge, MA, US a recognised hub for biomedical research and innovation in the country.
The investment in the bioscience facility forms part of the company's open innovation strategy and supports its aim of broadening partnerships with the US biotechnology, medical and scientific communities.
'Cambridge is a major global centre for medical research and development and our presence here will allow us to take full advantage of the expertise and resources that drive innovation in Massachusetts,' said Marc de Garidel, Chairman and Chief Executive of Ipsen.
To mark the grand opening of the new facility, Ipsen is hosting a scientific symposium with the theme of 'Connecting with Creativity'. Two Nobel Prize laureates, Michael Bishop, discoverer of oncogenes and Phillip Sharp, discoverer of alternative splicing of eukaryotic cells, as well as other prominent scientists and researchers will participate in the symposium.
