Sanofi-Aventis collaborates with Stanford University Bio-X on early-stage scientific research

In yet another tie-up with academia, French drug major Sanofi-Aventis (Euronext: SAN) has entered into a multi-year research collaboration agreement through the Stanford University Bio-X program that supports, organizes and facilitates interdisciplinary, collaborative and innovative research projects in the early phases of development.

Under the terms of the accord, a Stanford Bio-X and Sanofi-Aventis Joint Steering Committee will fund up to five programs a year. Sanofi-Aventis may also host postdoctoral fellows at the company and the French firm’s scientists may also be invited by Stanford faculty to be visiting scholars and to pursue research collaborations at Stanford. To further this exchange of ideas, Sanofi-Aventis will fund an annual research forum that will bring together Sanofi-Aventis and Bio-X researchers to share knowledge and perspectives on relevant scientific matters and to discuss research projects funded through the collaboration.

"Our approach to research and development must ensure we are at the center of the most innovative science, whether inside our own walls or through external partnerships, in order to continue to advance scientific knowledge and address patients' unmet medical needs," said Paul Chew, senior vice president, US, chief science and medical officer, Sanofi-Aventis USA. "Stanford is a world-class institution and Sanofi-Aventis is delighted to collaborate with its team of scientists who share a common vision of developing healthcare solutions through scientific discoveries and innovation across various disciplines. Bio-X researchers are exploring novel approaches needed in science today to accelerate the potential for scientific breakthroughs," Dr Chew added.