A new drug discovery unit from the US-based biomedical science institute Scripps Research Institute has partnered with US-based healthcare product manufacturer Johnson & Johnson.
Under the partnership, the Johnson & Johnson Innovation Centre will collaborate with the newly created drug discovery unit Scripps Advance to research and discover new products. Scripps will receive an undisclosed amount of upfront funding and money will be set aside for bringing the best discoveries closer to commercialisation.
J&J’s innovation centre will also provide resources and guidance to lab scientists. Thomas Melcher, senior director of ventures at JJIC, said that its involvement will help iron out uncertainties and risks that would normally make a drug company hesitant about supporting a new technology.
JJIC has already formed relationships with other academic institutions in its home state of California, including Stanford University and UC San Francisco.