Cambridge University and GSK sign immunology R&D collaboration

A Groundbreaking Partnership in Immune-Related Diseases

In a significant move that promises to revolutionize the field of immunology, Cambridge University and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) have announced a collaborative initiative aimed at accelerating research and development in immune-related diseases. This partnership, which sees GSK investing £50 million, is a testament to the power of collaborative research and its potential to transform patient care.

A Unique Collaboration

This new five-year collaboration, dubbed the Cambridge-GSK Translational Immunology Collaboration (CG-TIC), brings together the complementary expertise of GSK in the science of the immune system, AI, and clinical development, with Cambridge’s renowned academic and clinical resources. The collaboration will focus on two critical disease areas: kidney and respiratory diseases, which collectively affect over 1.4 billion people worldwide.

Addressing Global Health Challenges

Kidney disease, for instance, is estimated to affect 850 million people globally, with chronic respiratory diseases impacting approximately 545 million individuals. The current treatments for these conditions often come with significant negative impacts on quality of life, making the need for innovative therapies urgent. The CG-TIC aims to find more precise treatments for these diseases by enhancing our understanding of the mechanisms of disease onset, progression, and patient response to therapies.

Leveraging AI and Machine Learning

The collaboration will take a 'translational' approach, using AI and machine learning to analyze patient data. This integration of advanced technologies with clinical expertise is expected to accelerate the discovery and development of transformational therapies. By bringing together patient data and AI/ML, the research team will focus on hard-to-treat diseases, aiming to improve outcomes for patients.

Cambridge’s Unique Environment

Professor Deborah Prentice, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, underscored the significance of this collaboration. “The University sits at the heart of Europe’s leading life sciences cluster, where excellent research and the NHS’s clinical resources combine with the talent generated by the many innovative bioscience companies that call Cambridge home. Through this very important collaboration with GSK, Cambridge will be able to drive economic growth for the UK while improving the health of people in this country and around the world.”

GSK’s Investment and Commitment

GSK’s Chief Scientific Officer, Tony Wood, emphasized the importance of collaboration in accelerating scientific progress. “Collaboration is at the heart of scientific progress and is fundamental to how we do R&D at GSK. We’re excited to build on our existing work with the University of Cambridge to further this world-leading scientific and technological capability in the UK. By bringing together Cambridge’s expertise and our own internal capabilities, including understanding of the immune system and the use of AI to accelerate drug development, we have an opportunity to help patients struggling with complex disease.”

The Role of Cambridge University Hospitals

The collaboration will be co-led by Nicolas Wisniacki, VP, Clinical Research Head, GSK, and David Thomas, Professor of Renal Medicine and principal investigator at the Cambridge Institute for Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cambridge. The study will be conducted with significant support from Cambridge University Hospitals, which will play a pivotal role in the collaboration. Additionally, Royal Papworth Hospital, the UK’s leading heart and lung hospital, is expected to be a future partner in this initiative.

A Hub for Innovation

The Cambridge Biomedical Campus provides a unique environment where academia, industry, and healthcare can come together. This hub is supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, fostering an ecosystem conducive to translational research.

Key Highlights of the Collaboration

• £50 Million Investment: GSK is investing £50 million over five years to accelerate R&D in kidney and respiratory diseases.
• Focus Areas: The collaboration will focus on immune-related diseases, particularly kidney and respiratory conditions.
• AI and Machine Learning: The use of AI and machine learning to analyze patient data and accelerate drug development.
• Translational Approach: Enhancing the understanding of disease mechanisms and patient responses to therapies.
• Partnership Structure: Co-led by GSK’s Nicolas Wisniacki and Cambridge’s David Thomas, with significant support from Cambridge University Hospitals and potential future involvement from Royal Papworth Hospital.

Past Collaborations and Future Prospects

This collaboration builds on GSK’s existing relationship with the University of Cambridge and further solidifies the UK’s position in global healthcare innovation. GSK has a history of fostering innovative partnerships, including its Immunology Catalyst program, which provides opportunities for academic researchers to work alongside top industry scientists at their site in Stevenage.

Conclusion

The Cambridge-GSK Translational Immunology Collaboration represents a significant milestone in the quest for innovative therapies in immune-related diseases. By combining the strengths of academia and industry, this partnership has the potential to transform patient care globally. As the partnership unfolds, it will be exciting to see the breakthroughs that emerge from this collaborative effort.

---

References

• Cambridge and GSK Collaboration: For more information on the life sciences cluster in Cambridge and its role in innovation, visit Cambridge and Healthcare.
• GSK’s Immunology Catalyst: Learn more about GSK’s innovative research model for immunology, including its postdoctoral training program, at Immunology Catalyst.
• Cambridge-GSK Translational Immunology Collaboration: For the official press release and details on the collaboration, visit GSK Press Release Archive.
• Collaboration for Innovation: Understand the importance of collaboration in delivering new therapies through initiatives like the Cancer Research UK MedImmune Alliance Laboratory, at Collaborating for Innovation.