Collaboration to identify therapeutic targets in immune-oncology

Pierre Fabre Médicament (PFM) has announced a strategic partnership with Inserm Transfert and Inserm’s academic partners (Université Paris Descartes-Paris V, Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris VI and Université Paris Diderot-Paris VII) to identify new therapeutic targets in immuno-oncology

Under the terms of this three-year agreement Cordeliers Research Center (CRC) and the Center of Immunology Pierre Fabre (CIPF) will develop oncological biotherapies.

Through collaborative workshops the CRC teams led by Wolf-Hervé Fridman and CIPF teams will discuss their research and share their expertise in immuno-oncology.

Fridman, said: "Most of my research has been dedicated to fighting cancer and discovering the best approach to win this fight.

“By combining our respective expertise, this partnership with Pierre Fabre offers us a unique opportunity to promote the development of our latest discoveries, so that they can become innovative anti-cancer immunotherapies."

This knowledge transfer between the CRC and CIPF teams will help the companies select patients who might benefit the most from these new-targeted treatments according to PFM.

 At first, the CIPF scientists and CRC teams will validate the therapeutic value of the biological targets discovered by the academic researchers.

PFM teams will apply their knowledge to the development of monoclonal antibodies corresponding to these targets.

Meanwhile, both entities will work together to identify new therapeutic targets and according to PFM, academic research will be translated into therapeutic advances adapted to the needs of patients.

Nathalie Corvaia, managing director of the CIPF, said: "We are looking forward to implement this strategic partnership in immuno-oncology with such a renowned research center of Inserm. This collaboration will strengthen and increase our ability to develop new targeted biomolecules.”

Laurent Audoly, head of research and development at PFM, said: "Pierre Fabre Médicament is deeply committed to the development of new molecules and targeted therapies in oncology, a therapeutic priority for its R&D.”