Novartis announces TB research collaboration

Novartis has announced the establishment of a research partnership between the Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases (NITD) and the Global Alliance for TB Drug Development.

The five-year deal will aim to move projects swiftly from a research phase through the translational stage and into development, with both partners using their resources and expertise networks to bring patients more effective and simpler patients.

Under the terms of the agreement, both bodies will share information on continuing and new drug discovery projects in tuberculosis (TB).

The deal also facilitates future collaborations on novel antibiotic compounds, including those to treat drug-resistant TB and those to be use din patients with HIV/Aids.

Paul Herrling, chairman of the NITD and head of corporate research at Novartis, said: “Since the NITD’s establishment in 2002, its core strategy has been to collaborate with other organisations to develop and deliver life-saving treatments to those who need them.”

He added that the research team at the firm will use the experience it has gained over the past six years in its partnership with the TB Alliance.

In May 2008, Novartis announced trial data for Menveo showing the compound has the potential to protect children from four types of meningitis.