MedImmune enters research collaboration with Manchester University
With the aim of advancing protein formulation science to develop better drug delivery methods
MedImmune, the global biologics research and development arm of AstraZeneca, and the University of Manchester are to collaborate in a four-year multiple project to develop cutting-edge protein formulation science.
MedImmune will work with researchers at Manchester’s Centre of Excellence in Biopharmaceuticals (COEBP) on testing and understanding the fundamental principles of protein solution behaviour to find better ways to administer medicines to patients.
Protein formulation is one of the critical steps in developing a protein therapeutic as a clinical product which can be administered to a patient. The collaboration will enhance research supporting new and more robust formulation approaches for antibodies and novel proteins.
MedImmune will provide funding and in-kind contributions to support several University of Manchester post-doctoral research projects addressing challenges in protein antibody formulation such as the need for ultra-high concentration liquid formulations and room temperature stable products.
Specific projects will be selected by a Joint Steering Committee for their suitability in generating breakthrough research. COEBP researchers will have access to laboratory facilities at MedImmune’s Cambridge location and the University of Manchester.
'We are excited to enter into this novel partnership with the COEBP, one of the world leading groups in biopharmaceutical development,' said Gail Wasserman, Senior Vice President, Biopharmaceutical Development, MedImmune. 'Through this collaboration, we hope to deepen our knowledge of the underlying protein formulation science and increase our capability to deliver formulations that will help transform the best protein molecules into the best potential treatments for patients.'
This new collaboration complements AstraZeneca’s existing partnership with the University of Manchester in cancer drug discovery through the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, as well as projects with the Manchester Collaborative Centre for Inflammation Research (with GlaxoSmithKline) and The North West Centre for Advanced Drug Delivery.
