INDIANAPOLIS, May 14, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Eli Lilly and
Company (NYSE: LLY) and Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute
today announced that they will collaborate to discover and develop
immunological therapies. Lilly and Sanford-Burnham, a non-profit
medical research institute, will investigate potential therapeutics
using biotechnology approaches in targeting multiple immune
checkpoint modulators for the treatment of immunological diseases
such as lupus, Sjögren's Syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease and
other autoimmune disorders.
The comprehensive research collaboration is driven by Lilly's
world-class biotechnology capabilities and expertise in immunology,
and Sanford-Burnham's deep expertise in understanding the
fundamental cellular pathways regulating the immune system focusing
on the immune checkpoint networks. This high degree of interaction
will allow the organizations to flexibly and efficiently advance
projects to clinical investigation. The research collaboration will
be co-chaired by Thomas F. Bumol,
Ph.D., senior vice president, biotechnology and immunology research
at Lilly, and Carl Ware, Ph.D.,
director, Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases Center at
Sanford-Burnham.
"Immunology is an important research area of focus for Lilly,
and through this exciting collaboration with Sanford-Burnham, our
scientists can discover and develop new medicines together in a
seamless way that takes advantage of each group in a family of key
targets," said Bumol.
Lilly has established its presence in immunology in recent years
through its own R&D and collaborations, with seven molecules
currently in the pipeline for conditions such as psoriasis,
rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and inflammatory bowel disease.
Sanford-Burnham's work in this area focuses on cell communication
pathways that control the development of lymphocytes, innate and
adaptive immune responses, and inflammation. Their work has led to
the discovery of molecular targets for the development of
treatments for immunological and inflammatory diseases, and
cancer.
"The Lilly-Sanford-Burnham collaboration is precedent setting in
scope and its potential to advance discoveries to the patient more
efficiently," said Sanford-Burnham CEO Perry Nisen, M.D., Ph.D. "By combining the
deep knowledge of human biology and disease mechanisms among
Sanford-Burnham scientists, in particular our expertise in the
field of checkpoint regulators in the immune system, and Lilly's
leadership position in the development of biologics and large
molecules, we are forging the path to develop the next
generation of transformative treatments for autoimmune
disease."
About Eli Lilly and Company
Lilly is a global
healthcare leader that unites caring with discovery to make life
better for people around the world. We were founded more than a
century ago by a man committed to creating high-quality medicines
that meet real needs, and today we remain true to that mission in
all our work. Across the globe, Lilly employees work to discover
and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve
the understanding and management of disease, and give back to
communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. To learn more
about Lilly, please visit us at www.lilly.com and
newsroom.lilly.com/social-channels. (C-LLY)
About Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute
Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute is dedicated to
discovering the fundamental molecular causes of disease and
devising the innovative therapies of tomorrow. Sanford-Burnham
takes a collaborative approach to medical research with major
programs in cancer, neurodegeneration and stem cells, diabetes, and
infectious, inflammatory, and childhood diseases. The Institute is
recognized for its National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer
Center, its NIH-designated Neuroscience Center Cores, and expertise
in drug discovery technologies. Sanford-Burnham is a nonprofit,
independent institute that employs more than 1,000 scientists and
staff in San Diego (La Jolla), Calif., and Orlando (Lake Nona), Fla. For more
information, visit us at sanfordburnham.org. Sanford-Burnham can
also be found on Facebook at facebook.com/sanfordburnham and on
Twitter @sanfordburnham.
This press release contains forward-looking statements about
the preclinical collaboration between Sanford-Burnham Medical
Research Institute and Lilly and reflects Lilly's current beliefs.
However, there are substantial risks and uncertainties in the
process of drug research, development, and commercialization. There
is no guarantee that the collaboration will yield successful
results or that either company will achieve the anticipated
benefits. For further discussion of these and other risks and
uncertainties, see Lilly's most recent 10-K and 10-Q filings with
the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as may
be required by law, Lilly undertakes no duty to update
forward-looking statements to reflect events occurring after the
date of this release.
Refer to: Amy Sousa; sousa_amy_e@lilly.com;
317.997.1481; Eli Lilly and
Company
Deborah Robison;
drobison@sanfordburnham.org; 407.745.2073;
Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute
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SOURCE Eli Lilly and Company; Sanford-Burnham Medical Research
Institute