GSK establishes Immunology Network to collaborate with academic research scientists

UK drug major GlaxoSmithKline (LSE: GSK) has created an Immunology Network, aiming to link GSK’s work to that of academic scientists focusing on immunology research.

The company is already working with a board of academics who are experts in immunology, and is launching the Immunology Catalyst as a new phase of this initiative. Researchers from GSK will learn new skills from external immunology experts, and these academics will be able to continue their own research while having access to GSK’s technology and learning about pharma research and development. Over the next year, six experts are expected to set up research labs at the GSK facility in Stevenage, UK. After the formal sabbatical has come to an end, collaboration will continue between GSK and the academics.

Paul-Peter Tak of GSK research and development, sponsor of the Immunology Network, said: “The Immunology Network will give us access to the brightest scientists in the world who are free in their thinking and who can go into paths that we’ve not thought of yet. We want to make sure that they are connected to the scientists that discover and develop medicines at GSK.”