MedImmune has added to its list of research collaborations by partnering with the University of Manchester on protein formulation science.
As part of the collaboration, MedImmune, the biologics arm of AstraZeneca, will work with researchers at Manchester’s Centre of Excellence on Biopharmaceuticals (COEBP) on understanding protein solution behaviour in order to discover better ways to administer medicines to patients.
Gail Wasserman, senior VP of biopharmaceutical development at MedImmune, commented: “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.”
The four-year partnership will enhance research supporting new formulation approaches for antibodies and novel proteins, with funding provided by MedImmune.
The firm will additionally supply support for several of the university’s post-doctoral research projects looking into challenges caused in protein antibody formulation, such as the importance of ultra-high concentration liquid formulations and room temperature stable products.
Head of the COEBP at the University of Manchester Professor Alan Dickson said: “We look forward to working with MedImmune to generate exciting breakthrough science together in this important research field.
“Our collaboration will form a distinct, vibrant scientific community, with the aim to formulate products more intelligently and innovatively and ensure accelerated development of key medicines.”
The announcement comes just weeks after MedImmune revealed a new partnership with the US National Center Institute (NCI), which will include investigative studies into its PD-1 candidate MEDI4736 in combination with other treatments.