Researchers work in a laboratory at the University of Chicago. As part of a new 5-year collaboration, UChicago and AbbVie researchers will work together to improve the pace of discovery and advance cancer research at both organizations. Photo by: Jean Lachat/University of Chicago

The University of Chicago and AbbVie, a global biopharmaceutical company, have entered into a five-year collaboration agreement designed to improve the pace of discovery and advance medical research in oncology at both organizations.

The joint strategic research agreement between AbbVie and the University of Chicago is designed to encourage and strengthen collaboration among researchers. Initially, both organizations will work together to advance research in several areas of oncology, which could include, among others, breast, lung, prostate, colorectal and hematological cancer. Research projects are chosen by a joint steering committee, composed of representatives from each organization. AbbVie also gains an option for an exclusive license to certain University of Chicago discoveries made under the agreement.

“University of Chicago researchers and clinicians have worked closely with AbbVie scientists in areas such as immunology and oncology for some time,” said Kenneth S. Polonsky, MD, executive vice president for medical affairs at the University of Chicago and dean of the Biological Sciences Division and Pritzker School of Medicine. “This agreement adds depth to that established and productive collaboration. The increased level of interaction should speed progress in medical care, beginning with cancer patients.”

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Source: UChicago Tech