GlaxoSmithKline and AstraZeneca link with academia for inflammation research center

In yet another link-up between pharma and academia, GlaxoSmithKline (LSE: GSK) and fellow UK-based drug major AstraZeneca (LSE: AZN) have joined with the University of Manchester to create the Manchester Collaborative Centre for Inflammation Research (MCCIR), a unique collaboration to establish a world-leading translational center for inflammatory diseases. The project starts out with an initial investment of £5 million ($8.2 million) from each partner over a three year period.

The collaboration between the companies and the University of Manchester, a premier research-led institution, will bring together scientists from both the pharmaceutical industry and academia to work collaboratively on inflammation research and translational medicine, and will formally open later this year.

Scientists will be recruited for new positions to direct the research in line with strategic priorities set jointly by GSK, AstraZeneca and the University, with the ultimate goal of translating findings into new and improved treatments. Such advances could potentially benefit the millions of people worldwide affected by diseases associated with chronic inflammation, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.