Roche, CPRIT partner to advance cancer research projects in Texas

Jul 8 2011

The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) today announced a strategic partnership agreement with the Swiss-based healthcare company Roche (SIX: RO, ROG, OTCQX: RHHBY) to accelerate the development of promising oncology-related cancer research projects in Texas. Under the terms of the agreement, CPRIT and Roche will collaborate to identify ventures and technologies from academia and early stage projects in Texas that have the potential to strengthen Roche's R&D portfolio.

"This is the first deal of its kind between CPRIT and a large pharmaceutical company - and we hope it won't be the last," explains Bill Gimson, CPRIT's Executive Director. "Accelerating game changing discoveries into quality patient care for Texans and patients worldwide is exactly what CPRIT was created to do."

Dan Zabrowski, Global Head of Roche Partnering, said: "Even as the world's leading company in cancer medicines, we recognize that ideas leading to the next step change in cancer treatment may lie beyond our walls. That's why we're thrilled to be working with CPRIT in identifying and supporting projects that could make a real difference to cancer patients."

Both Roche and CPRIT will provide financial support to the new ventures. Roche will assess investment opportunities and offer support to selected ventures through access to its scientific knowledge, drug development, regulation, clinical studies, manufacturing and marketing expertise. A joint CPRIT/Roche governance committee will oversee research progress while the selected projects are in the accelerator program.

Collaborations with external parties are a critical part of CPRIT's innovation strategy. The strategic partnership agreement will serve as a model for alliances with companies and institutions interested in partnering with CPRIT to work on cancer research and drug development in Texas.

"Combining Roche's expertise and resources with CPRIT's cancer research portfolio presents a unique opportunity for promising cancer research discoveries and Texas bio-pharma start-ups to go global," says CPRIT's Chief Commercialization Officer Jerry Cobbs. "The deal testifies to Texas' commitment to nurturing and advancing groundbreaking science and commercially viable companies."

Source: Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas