Merck Serono and Feinstein Institute to ally on SLE research

Merck Serono has announced a new inflammatory disease research alliance with the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, the research division of the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System in New York.

The collaboration will focus on the creation of antibodies for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic inflammatory condition for which only one new treatment has been approved in the last 50 years.

Merck Serono will fund a research programme at the Feinstein Institute and will take responsibility for the development and commercialisation of any antibodies produced through the studies.

Dr Bernhard Kirschbaum, executive vice-president and head of global research and early development for Merck Serono, said: "This is a rare opportunity for our researchers to collaborate with key experts in the field of systemic lupus erythematosus to develop alternative therapeutic approaches."

Earlier this month, the company announced the commencement of a phase III trial of TH-302, an innovative new therapy for locally advanced unresectable or metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma.