Mallinckrodt Forms Rare Disease Research Partnership with Washington University

Rare Daily Staff

Specialty pharmaceutical company Mallinckrodt said it have formed a rare disease research partnership with Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

The company will fund up to $10 million in research grants over a five-year period, and expects the collaborative initiative to result in multiple research programs, with a particular focus on rare diseases.

The partnership will fund projects based on competitive review by a governance committee composed of leaders from both institutions. Mallinckrodt plans to fund grants while also supporting direct collaboration with Washington University School of Medicine, guided by a joint steering committee with representatives from both parties.

The company said it will fund program grants intended to provide ongoing, multiyear support to projects likely to progress new therapeutic options. It will also fund challenge grants that will support early, innovative projects that have the potential to advance basic science with medical applications.

In addition, the program allow Mallinckrodt scientists to interact directly with Washington University programs as collaborators and consultants.

“Washington University School of Medicine is a research powerhouse, and by partnering with Mallinckrodt we are looking to harness that power and direct it into specific drug development and research projects that are most likely to benefit patients,” said David Perlmutter, executive vice chancellor for medical affairs and dean of the Washington University School of Medicine. “In keeping with our focus on personalized medicine, a goal of the partnership is to develop new ways to help people with debilitating, complex conditions that lack effective treatment options.”

August 7, 2018
David H. Perlmutter, executive vice chancellor for medical affairs and dean of the Washington University School of Medicine, talks with graduate research assistant Dolonchampa Maji. (by Tim Parker)