Bangalore, Nov 17, 2008: US-based biotechnology company, Genzyme and the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), a not-for-profit research and development (R&D) organization, are collaborating to advance treatments for neglected diseases.

 

This collaboration will initially focus on the development of new, improved treatments for malaria, a debilitating infectious disease of developing countries. ICGEB and Genzyme scientists are currently targeting ‘Plasmodium falciparum’ and ‘Plasmodium vivax’, increasingly resistant parasites that cause up to 65 percent of malaria in India.

 

ICGEB has already begun to identify promising targets and along with the drug development expertise of Genzyme, could lead to drug compounds effective against malaria. The research will take place both in ICGEB’s laboratories in New Delhi, India and in Genzyme’s facilities in Waltham, Massachusetts, US.

 

Under the agreement, scientists from Genzyme and ICGEB are expected to work in each other’s laboratories from time to time. The collaboration includes an innovative approach to intellectual property rights, providing ICGEB rights to commercial uses within the field of neglected disease on a royalty-free basis.

“The biotechnology industry is in a remarkable position to address neglected diseases with novel technology, world-renowned scientists and research partners dedicated to a shared commitment to improve human health,” said Mr Henri A. Termeer, Chairman and CEO, Genzyme. “The ICGEB is unlocking new approaches to preventing malaria, and Genzyme is ready to build their momentum and move these promising targets through the drug discovery process, ultimately bringing critical treatments to people at risk in the developing world. We look forward to building a productive, sustainable partnership with ICGEB.”