AstraZeneca and MedImmune announce new Cambridge University alliance

AstraZeneca and its biologics research and development arm MedImmune have announced a series of new collaborative projects with the University of Cambridge.

Building on their existing partnership, a series of four new collaborations have been announced, including a three-year alliance between the three organisations focusing on advancing research and development in neurodegenerative diseases.

A separate agreement will see the university receive access to key compounds from AstraZeneca's pipeline for investigation, while MedImmune will also work with the educational establishment on a doctoral training programme.

Additionally, a new entrepreneur-in-residence programme will offer guidance and mentorship to Cambridge researchers who are considering the broader application and commercial potential of their scientific programmes.

Mene Pangalos, executive vice-president of innovative medicines and early development at AstraZeneca, said: "In a world where partnerships and collaborations drive medical innovation, deepening our roots in the vibrant Cambridge life science ecosystem offers compelling advantages for AstraZeneca."

The firm is currently investing in a global research and development centre and corporate headquarters in Cambridge, which will commence construction in 2015.