Monash University, Ono Pharmaceutical Sign MoU for collaboration
An Option and Research Collaboration Agreement has been established between Monash University and Japan-based Ono Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, which brings together extensive expertise in the discovery and development of antibodies targeting G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to enable the generation of novel therapeutics for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Through this collaboration, funded by Ono Pharmaceutical, Monash University’s Biomedicine Discovery Institute will lead the antibody discovery campaign to target two GPCRs traditionally hard to target.
“We are excited to partner with Ono Pharmaceutical and combine our expertise in anti-GPCR antibody discovery with Ono’s exceptional capabilities in drug development,” said Dr Remy Robert, Senior Research Fellow, at Monash University’s Biomedicine Discovery Institute. “We look forward to working with Ono Pharmaceutical to accelerate treatments across a variety of diseases.”
The Option and Research Collaboration Agreement will see Ono Pharmaceutical hold exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialise some existing antibodies Monash University has developed, in addition to any antibodies arising out of the drug discovery collaboration. If Ono exercises its option under the agreement, Monash University is entitled to receive an upfront payment, success-based milestones on the development progress and royalties on future sales.
Monash Innovation, part of the Enterprise portfolio at Monash University, facilitated the partnership between Monash University and Ono Pharmaceutical.
“We welcome this collaboration with Ono Pharmaceutical and it is a great example of discovery research joining forces with a major industry partner in order to accelerate the development of new therapies,” said Katherine Nielsen, Senior Director of Monash Innovation.
“We appreciate Monash University’s sophisticated technologies for antibody discovery which enables the creation of therapeutic antibodies using monoclonal antibodies against GPCR,” said Toichi Takino, Senior Executive Officer / Executive Director, Discovery & Research of Ono. “Through this collaboration with Monash University, we expect to increase the efficiency of finding new drug candidates that fulfil unmet medical needs in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.”