GSK extends tropical diseases collaboration

Building on their long-standing relationship, GlaxoSmithKline and Brazil’s Oswald Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) have announced a new collaboration to research and develop innovative medicines for neglected tropical diseases.

According to a press statement, the partnership will enable scientists at Fiocruz and at GSK’s Tres Cantos facility in Spain to openly share new research, ideas and know-how. Initially, focus will be on Chagas and Leishmaniasis because of Fiocruz’s experience in these areas, although malaria and tuberculosis will also be priorities.

The companies have worked together since 1985 when they established a collaboration to manufacture vaccines for public health priorities in Brazil, including polio, measles, mumps, rubella and rotavirus. The relationship has supported the development of both research and manufacturing capabilities in Brazil through technology transfer and scientific collaboration. The new arrangement is in line with GSK’s strategy to stimulate broad collaborative partnerships, as well as provide access to the infrastructure, processes and experience of the scientists working in Tres Cantos and Fiocruz.

In the press statement, Nick Cammack, SVP and Head of the Tres Cantos Medicines Development Campus, said: “Alliances like this one with Fiocruz are critical to the progress and to the needs of patients. The expertise and knowledge that the scientists at Fiocruz will bring will help drive our discovery and development efforts.”

www.gsk.com