BMS announces further collaboration on research into autoimmune diseases and cancer

BMS and Tsinghua University partnered in 2012 to work on structural biology research, mapping the 3D protein structure of biological molecular targets and autoimmune target discovery. Now, the Innovation Centre for Immune Therapy at the university will work on projects to discover therapeutic agents against novel targets for autoimmune diseases and cancers, and generating early drug candidates for clinical development. BMS will have the opportunity to exclusively license the therapeutic agents discovered.
Director of the Institute for Immunology at Tsinghua University, Professor Chen Dong, said: “As an immunology-based research institution in China, Tsinghua University ICIT continues to explore an innovative technology incubation model to transform basic research results into therapeutic drugs through strategic cooperation. We believe that our strengthened collaboration with BMS will combine our respective distinguished expertise in the field of immune diseases, helping transform research discoveries into new treatment options as soon as possible.”

Carl Decicco, SVP and Head of Discovery at Bristol-Myers Squibb, said: “Bristol-Myers Squibb and Tsinghua University have built a long-term strategic collaboration and have a shared focus on advancing science and research to help patients. Tsinghua University is a highly respected research institution with leading capabilities and scientific talent focused on accelerating basic research into potential new therapies. We look forward to bringing projects forward that will benefit from their innovative research in immunology and autoimmune disease.”

Shirley Zhao, general manager and president of Bristol-Myers Squibb in mainland China and Hong Kong, said: “BMS is committed to addressing the urgent unmet clinical needs in China through leading scientific development, diversified collaborations and an innovative portfolio. This collaboration with Tsinghua University is another proof of our strategic alignment with China’s innovation-driven healthcare development, as well as our commitment to accelerate delivering of innovative treatment options to Chinese patients.”