Bayer and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center signed a five-year collaboration agreement to accelerate the development of cancer treatments based on patient or tumor characteristics for which current therapies have not shown clinical efficacy. The collaboration will combine Bayer’s translational and clinical compounds with the translational and clinical expertise of the MD Anderson Cancer Center.

“Bayer is committed to translating the science of cancer research into potential treatments for patients who are in need,” said Robert LaCaze, head of the Oncology Strategic Business Unit and member of the Executive Committee of Bayer AG’s Pharmaceuticals Division. “The alliance with MD Anderson will bolster our ongoing and future clinical programs with the overall aim of developing meaningful options for patients battling cancer.”

“MD Anderson is committed to advancing therapies that can be offered more quickly to our patients,” said Patrick Hwu, M.D., division head, Cancer Medicine Administration, MD Anderson Cancer Center. “This collaboration allows us to pursue the study of several investigative agents that may have potential for cancers that can be resistant to standard treatments.”

Bayer focuses its oncology research on key areas of investigation, including immuno-oncology, oncogenic signaling, and targeted thorium conjugates. As part of the company’s overall innovation strategy, Bayer is expanding discovery and development opportunities through a series of strategic agreements with leading academic centers, other pharmaceutical companies and innovative biotech organizations worldwide. With the collaboration with MD Anderson, Bayer is further strengthening its development activities in oncology, particularly in translational and clinical development.

The MD Anderson Cancer Center ranks as one of the world’s most respected centers focused on cancer patient care, research, education and prevention. MD Anderson’s expertise and knowledge in oncology and clinical research is complementing Bayer’s experience in pharmaceutical development. Bayer’s goal is to significantly broaden the applicability of breakthrough approaches—specifically in cancer indications and tumors where current therapies have not shown clinical efficacy.

The joint clinical research projects will be conducted at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.

(Source: Bayer)