Pfizer and Jeffrey Modell Foundation to conduct immunology research

Pfizer has announced a new immunology-focused collaboration with the Jeffrey Modell Foundation, a global not-for-profit organisation.

The foundation will work with Pfizer's Centers for Therapeutic Innovation (CTI) to identify and co-fund translational research projects with leading academic medical centres within the CTI network.

With each research project, the goal will be to identify and validate a potential drug candidate for an immunological disease that can be moved into further clinical testing.

Launched in 2010, Pfizer's CTI initiative is based around academic-foundation-industry collaborations, with 25 academic establishments and six foundations currently in its network.

Anthony Coyle, senior vice-president and chief scientific officer of Pfizer's CTI project, said: "With a deeply committed partner like the Jeffrey Modell Foundation, we have an opportunity to leverage our respective expertise to help enhance our understanding of the complex immune system, which plays a key role in many rare diseases."

Last month, the company announced a new alliance with the National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network, which will provide UK patients with access to innovative medicines.