)  and the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ, 

)  have announced plans to collaborate on research into new drugs focusing on  neglected diseases. 

  The  companies will initially focus on two specific research programs. The first  will focus on identifying new biological targets within the parasite that  causes Chagas disease and will include screening for potential compounds that  affect these targets and which could be developed into drugs. The second  program will test the effectiveness of using monoclonal antibodies to  neutralize a protein that contributes to heart damage in Chagas disease, known  as transforming growth factor-beta.

  The  partnership agreement includes an innovative approach to intellectual property  rights, providing FIOCRUZ rights to commercial uses within the field of  neglected diseases on a royalty-free basis.

News

Genzyme Corp. (Cambridge, MA, www.genzyme.com) and the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ, www.fiocruz.br) have announced plans to collaborate on research into new drugs focusing on neglected diseases.