Roche takes academia route, linking with CPRIT to advance cancer R&D pipeline

Swiss drug major Roche (ROG: SIX) today announced a strategic partnership agreement with the USA’s Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) to accelerate the development of promising oncology-related cancer research projects in Texas. Under the terms of the agreement, CPRIT and Roche will collaborate to identify ventures and technologies from academia and early stage projects in Texas that have the potential to strengthen Roche’s R&D portfolio.

Dan Zabrowski, global head of Roche Partnering, said: “Even as the world’s leading company in cancer medicines, we recognize that ideas leading to the next step change in cancer treatment may lie beyond our walls. That’s why we’re thrilled to be working with CPRIT in identifying and supporting projects that could make a real difference to cancer patients.”

Bill Gimson, CPRIT’s executive director, said: “This is the first deal of its kind between CPRIT and a large pharmaceutical company - and we hope it won’t be the last. Accelerating game changing discoveries into quality patient care for Texans and patients worldwide is exactly what CPRIT was created to do.”