Servier has announced that it has entered into a research collaboration with University College
London (UCL) to test candidate drugs from Servier in innovative patient-derived cell models known as brain assembloids for the treatment of patients with Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy (DEE).
Brain assembloids are complex 3D structures that replicate key aspects of human brain development and function.
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) is a rare form of epilepsy that typically manifests in early childhood.
Affecting nearly 200 children per 100,000 worldwide, DEE is characterised by frequent seizures, intellectual disability and significant developmental delays.
This partnership demonstrates Servier's commitment to developing innovative treatments for patients affected by rare and severe neurological disorders, where medical needs remain high and largely unmet.
“We are excited to partner with University College of London to validate the therapeutic potential of our drug candidates for rare epilepsy disorders," said Nitza Thomasson, Head of Global R&D Neurology Servier.
"With its renowned expertise in the field and close connection to patients, UCL is an ideal partner to drive research forward and deliver real benefits to patients."
"By combining our expertise, we aim to deepen our understanding of developmental and epileptic encephalopathies and ultimately develop treatments that will transform the lives of patients with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy."
Professor Gabriele Lignani, Head of Research at the Department of Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, added: "This collaboration represents a tremendous opportunity to bridge cutting-edge science and therapeutic innovation for patients with rare epileptic disorders."
"By combining Servier’s promising antisense oligonucleotide candidates with our advanced human brain assembloid models, we aim to accelerate the discovery and validation of new treatments for developmental and epileptic encephalopathies."
"This partnership exemplifies how academic-industry collaborations can transform pioneering research into meaningful therapeutic advances for patients."
"We are excited to join forces with Servier to accelerate the development of advanced therapies for these severe epilepsies with significant unmet need," said Dr Amy McTague, Principal Research Fellow and Honorary Consultant Paediatric Neurologist, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health.
"This collaboration will fast-track the discovery and testing of novel, patient-relevant treatments."
By combining UCL’s cutting-edge research capabilities with Servier’s drug discovery expertise and resources, this collaboration exemplifies the power of open, multidisciplinary partnerships between academia and industry.
The joint effort is designed to accelerate progress in DEE research and deliver clinically actionable insights that can improve patient outcomes.
As part of the agreement, Servier will leverage UCL’s scientific expertise to assess the therapeutic potential of its antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), while UCL will develop the brain assembloid models that replicate the cognitive development of brains affected by genetically defined DEE.
These advanced models offer a unique opportunity to better assess therapeutic responses in a physiologically relevant context.