GlaxoSmithKline forges partnership with Prosensa

GlaxoSmithKline has joined forces with the Holland-based biopharmaceutical firm Prosensa in a bid to develop and commercialise treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

The exclusive worldwide collaboration, which was established under GlaxoSmithKline’s Centre of Excellence for External Drug Discovery, will see the firms cooperate to tackle DMD – a severely debilitating childhood neuromuscular disease that affects one in 3,500 newborn boys

Overall, four RNA-based compounds intended to treat specific, but different, subpopulations of patients suffering from DMD will be produced by the companies.

“We are always looking for inspiring science to take forward and are incredibly excited at the prospect of working with Prosensa to bring a vital new treatment to patients with DMD,” explained Christoph Westphal, chief executive of GlaxoSmithKline company Sirtris.

In related news this week, the organisation announced plans to open a cutting-edge biotechnology science park in the UK in collaboration with the Wellcome Trust and the government.