MedImmune, the global biologics research and development arm of AstraZeneca, and the University of Cambridge have formed a new five-year, multi-project collaboration with the university's Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (CEB). The project will focus on generating research in biopharmaceutical development (BPD), a field that includes cell engineering, continuous processing, formulation and analytical science, to support development of potential new therapies.

The research collaboration is the first under a new Framework Agreement between MedImmune and the University of Cambridge, designed to lower barriers to innovation, support rapid implementation of long-term research projects, and foster further collaborations between Medimmune and the University. MedImmune and CEB will use an innovative partnership model to identify and develop multiple strategic research projects, drawing on resources and expertise from both organizations. Scientists and academics from MedImmune and CEB will work alongside each other to advance bioprocessing research. Overall, the partnership will benefit both MedImmune and CEB by providing a range of educational opportunities to cultivate and support BPD scientists.

Researchers and academics from MedImmune and CEB will move freely between sites and facilities, including, when completed later this year, CEB's new teaching and research complex at the university's science campus in West Cambridge, to pursue innovative projects using complementary technologies and expertise. The collaboration model will also seek additional grant funding and other opportunities where appropriate to help create further critical mass in high quality BPD research. The agreement will complement existing strategic partnerships between MedImmune, AstraZeneca and the University of Cambridge. The new agreement also underscores MedImmune's emphasis on growing the biotech hubs near R&D facilities in Gaithersburg, Maryland and Cambridge, UK.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

Source: MedImmune