AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) has extended an agreement with the University of Chicago related to collaborative preclinical oncology research.

The North Chicago, Illinois–based company and the university are working together on research involving biomarkers and therapeutic applications related to existing AbbVie programs.

In the past, the organizations have also explored new drug delivery methods to improve the immune system’s ability to fight tumors. Their partnership has also focused on testing 3D screening methodologies for selecting promising therapeutic molecules.

Under the terms of the agreement, AbbVie can exclusively license some University of Chicago discoveries resulting from the collaboration.

“Our oncology collaboration with the University of Chicago enables us to combine our expertise in understanding the underlying biology in key areas of interest, such as immuno-oncology, oncogenic pathways, and biomarkers of drug sensitivity or disease,” Steve Davidsen, VP, oncology discovery research at AbbVie, in a statement.

Juan de Pablo, University of Chicago VP for national laboratories, science strategy, innovation and global initiatives, also spoke optimistically of the partnership. “The extension of our agreement will continue to provide faculty and students with opportunities to work with colleagues at a global biopharmaceutical leader and translate their findings from the lab into the real world,” he said in a press release.

In late 2020, AbbVie gave an $8 million donation to the University of Chicago Medicine to combat health disparities in Chicago. Earlier this year, the AbbVie Foundation provided a $10 million gift to the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center.

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Filed Under: Drug Delivery, Oncology
Tagged With: 3D screening, AbbVie, oncology, tumors, University of Chicago
 

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