Monash University and Ono Pharmaceutical continue collaboration agreement
Monash University and Japan-based Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., a partnership that brings together extensive expertise in the discovery and development of novel therapeutics, have signed a new agreement to collaborate on the development of a new antibody targeting G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
“We are excited to sign a new agreement with Ono Pharmaceutical and continue combining our expertise in anti-GPCR antibody discovery with their exceptional capabilities in drug development,” said Associate Professor Remy Robert, Laboratory Head at Monash University’s Biomedicine Discovery Institute. “The strength of the collaboration forged over the last eighteen months has led to the acceleration of treatments across a variety of diseases.”
The continued collaboration extends Ono Pharmaceutical’s exclusive worldwide right to develop and commercialise existing antibodies developed by Monash University, in addition to any further antibodies arising out of the drug discovery collaboration. If Ono exercises its option under the agreement, Monash University will continue to be entitled to receive an upfront payment, success-based milestones on the development progress and royalties on future sales.
Monash University’s Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (MNHS) Business Development team together with Monash Innovation’s Dr Aaron Gao, Commercialisation Manager in the Enterprise portfolio at Monash University, facilitated the continued partnership between Monash University and Ono Pharmaceutical.
“We are delighted to continue working with Ono Pharmaceutical as the collaboration has been a great example of discovery research joining forces with a major industry partner in order to accelerate the development of new therapies,” said Dr Alison Greenway, Senior Director Enterprise and Partnerships, MNHS.
“Through the earlier collaboration, we renewed our recognition that Monash University has the capability in the creation of anti-GPCR antibodies using its sophisticated expertise and technologies that can overcome difficult challenges,” said Seishi Katsumata, Corporate Officer / Executive Director, Discovery & Research of Ono. “Through this new collaboration with Monash University, we expect to discover innovative antibodies against a different GPCR target that fulfil unmet medical needs in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, different from the diseases in the existing agreement.”
About Monash University
Monash University is Australia’s largest university with more than 80,000 students. In the 60 years since its foundation, it has developed a reputation for world-leading high-impact research, quality teaching, and inspiring innovation. With four campuses in Australia and a presence in Malaysia, China, India, Indonesia, and Italy, it is one of the most internationalised Australian universities.
Monash University has been translating game-changing research into impactful commercial outcomes for more than 60 years. We’re doing the heavy lifting in commercialisation and fostering a talent pool that is powering Australian industries and the economy. Monash spin-outs are developing sustainable solutions to global challenges like climate change and advancing the human species through scientific breakthroughs in IVF, cardiovascular disease, mental health and more. For further information, please visit our website.
About Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd
Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., headquartered in Osaka, is an R&D-oriented pharmaceutical company committed to creating innovative medicines in specific areas. Ono focuses its research on oncology, immunology, neurology and specialty research with high medical needs as priority areas for the discovery and development of innovative medicines.
For further information, please visit the company’s website at https://www.ono-pharma.com/en
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