Eisai and Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz to ally on tropical disease research

Eisai has announced a new collaboration with the Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz) in Brazil based around research into new therapies for malaria and tropical diseases.

Under the terms of the agreement, Eisai and Fiocruz will identify Eisai compounds with potential efficacy against these conditions, with the first being a treatment for cerebral malaria using E6446 and analogues.

The partnership will draw upon the Brazilian ministry of health agency's experience in the development of medicines and vaccines for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), plus Eisai's capabilities as a research-based pharmaceutical company.

It comes as part of Eisai's responsibilities under the London Declaration, an initiative which aims to eliminate ten NTDs in developing nations by 2020.

A statement from the company said: "Eisai considers its contributions to the economic development and expansion of the middle-income class through the enhancement of health and welfare in these countries as a form of long-term investment for future growth."

Last month, Eisai confirmed it will be dissolving and absorbing its diagnostics research and development subsidiary the Palma Bee'Z Research Institute as it seeks to increase its focus on personalised medicines.