Sanofi and Genzyme agree new partnership with Boston university

Sanofi and Genzyme have strengthened their links with academia through a new partnership with the University of Massachusetts Boston's College of Science and Mathematics.

Following the opening of a new research and development facility in Cambridge, which will be focused on cancer research, the companies have agreed to provide a gift of $1 million (623,600 pounds) to support student success programmes at the school.

This is the third significant philanthropic gift the companies have made this year, with the latest contribution to help develop new opportunities for undergraduate and graduate research.

Christopher Viehbacher, chief executive officer of Sanofi, said: "We can make a major contribution to sustaining and enhancing the local research and development ecosystem and supporting our collective future by ensuring a steady supply of young people with advanced training and education."

Earlier this month, the companies announced that the European Commission have approved their new multiple sclerosis treatment Lemtrada, following on from a similar decision for the drug Aubagio last month.