Empire Discovery Institute collaborates with Novo Nordisk to launch new drug discovery initiative

Reviewed by Emily Henderson, B.Sc.Jan 4 2022

Empire Discovery Institute (EDI) entered into a five-year collaborative research partnership with global pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk A/S to launch LeapRx, a new initiative where EDI and Novo Nordisk will co-invest, incubate and accelerate innovative drug discovery and development projects from its academic partners.

Through this initiative, EDI will work closely with the recently formed Novo Nordisk Bio Innovation Hub in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

LeapRx will focus on areas of mutual interest to EDI and Novo Nordisk, specifically therapies for diabetes (type 1, type 2), obesity, cardiovascular disease, NASH, chronic kidney disease and rare blood disorders.

LeapRx will provide financial support and pharmaceutical industry expertise to aid researchers affiliated with EDI's core academic research labs at the University of Rochester, the University at Buffalo, and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in maturing innovative ideas towards future medicines. Premier academic research institutions not affiliated with EDI's core labs are also welcome to apply to LeapRx through their technology transfer offices.

Each organization brings together a unique set of complimentary expertise, experience and capabilities. EDI's early-stage drug discovery and development expertise – along with Novo Nordisk's scientific, regulatory, clinical, commercial and marketing capabilities – will help advance the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative, break-through medicines.

We look forward to working with our R&D collaboration partners at Novo Nordisk. By bringing together scientific innovation, pharmaceutical industry expertise and funding, our mission is to facilitate the efficient translation of fundamental scientific discoveries into important new medicines for commercialization."

Martin Graham, CEO, Empire Discovery Institute

For Novo Nordisk, this partnership represents a continuation of its dedication to support the vibrant life science ecosystems in the Northeast U.S.

"The intersection between fundamental academic research and pharmaceutical R&D is where we believe we can uncover the innovation that will lead to medicines of the future. We are excited to see what early-stage research projects we can support the development of through our collaboration with EDI and participating academic institutions," said Uli Stilz, Vice President of Novo Nordisk Bio Innovation Hub.