Monash University and Ono Pharmaceutical sign two licence agreements
Credit: Totojang from Getty Images.
Monash University and Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Ono) have signed two licence agreements that will enable Ono to develop and commercialise anti-GPCR antibodies for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
The licence agreements were signed as a result of Ono exercising their options on two research collaboration projects announced in 2023 and led by Associate Professor Remy Robert from Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute.
“We are delighted that following three years of collaboration, our partnership has now progressed to licence agreements,” said Associate Professor Remy Robert. “We look forward to seeing new treatments that will bring hope to patients with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases in the future.”
Dr Alison Greenway, Associate Dean and Senior Director Enterprise and Partnerships in Monash Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, said that the partnership truly reflects the power of collaboration across Monash.
“The partnership represents a joint effort between the Robert Laboratory, the faculty’s Business Development team, Monash Innovation and the University’s Office of the General Counsel — all working together seamlessly to create opportunities for impactful research and innovation, “ she said.
“By combining scientific excellence with strategic and legal expertise, we’ve demonstrated what can be achieved when diverse teams unite around a shared vision.”
Monash’s Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences and Monash Innovation facilitated the partnership between Monash University and Ono.
Dr Ingmar Wahlqvist, Acting Chief Commercialisation Officer at Monash University, said, “The signing of these agreements reflects the immense value of connecting discovery research with world-leading organisations, investors and industry.
“Our collaboration with international partners such as Ono enables Monash to supercharge its global impact in novel therapeutics for the treatment of a range of important diseases.”
About GPCRs
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) comprise the largest class of membrane receptors and amount to approximately 800 in the human genome. GPCR-targeted therapeutics comprise major drug classes in many disease areas.
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 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 https://www.monash.edu/
About Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. delivers innovative therapies for patients worldwide. Upholding its philosophy of “Dedicated to the Fight against Disease and Pain,” Ono targets areas with unmet medical needs including oncology, immunology & inflammation and neurology, and fosters partnerships with academic and biotech organizations to accelerate drug discovery. Through its affiliate, Deciphera Pharmaceuticals, Ono is accelerating clinical development and commercial operations in the US and Europe to drive global business expansion and further its commitment to patient care. For more information, please visit the company's website at https://www.ono-pharma.com/en.