Flinders University collaborates with European biotech

01 Sep 2010

Flinders Univeristy has entered into a service agreement with the 4th largest biotech in Europe, Galapagos NV. Galapagos had revenue of 106 million in 2009 and has strategic alliances with top-tier pharmaceutical companies including Glaxo Smith Kline, Johnson & Johnson, Lilly, Merck, Servier and Roche.

Prof Peter Mackenzie and Dr Robyn Meech from the Clinical Pharmacology department at Flinders University have developed significant expertise in the UGT gene family. They will engage with Galapagos to assist in their development of novel drug targets for the treatment of cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is a fatal inherited disease of the lungs & digestive system. There are currently around 70,000 people affected by cystic fibrosis worldwide with an average life expectancy of 37 years.

Sinead O'Connell and David Vincent from Flinders Partners were involved in negotiations with Galapagos and helped reach an agreement which aims to foster a continued collaboration in the future.