AstraZeneca and Galderma Pharma enter into R&D collaboration to develop new treatments for dermatological diseases

LAUSANNE,Switzerland—Global biopharma giant AstraZeneca and Galderma Pharma S.A., a global speciality pharmaceutical company focused ondermatology, have entered into a research and developmentcollaboration to develop new treatments for dermatological conditions, such as psoriasis, acne and atopic dermatitis.

Under the terms of the five-year agreement, the financial terms of which were not disclosed, Galderma will have exclusive access toa number of compounds from across AstraZeneca's portfolio to develop indermatological indications. Initial targets for collaboration havealready been identified from disease areas as diverse as oncology,inflammation and central nervous system disorders. These will be interrogatedbased on translational science and preclinical testing to determine theones that will progress in the collaboration.

"Galderma is committed to discovering, developing and deliveringinnovative solutions for dermatology patients and physicians," says Alain Jacot, vice president and chief scientific officer of Galderma. "Thisunique and exclusive collaboration with one of the world's leadingpharmaceutical companies will complement Galderma's internal R&Defforts and significantly enhance our ability to make important newdiscoveries that have the potential to treat serious dermatologicdisorders"

Clive Morris, head of the AstraZeneca business unit focused on new opportunities and innovative medicines, added: "This partnership is an example of how we areleveraging our science in new and creative ways through collaborationswith recognized experts outside of AstraZeneca's core therapy areas.Partnering with Galderma, a world-leader in dermatology, is the mostefficient and effective way to unlock the potential of our compounds inthis rapidly evolving disease area."

Galderma, which has a strategic ambition is to be recognized as "the most competent andsuccessful innovation-based company focused exclusively on meeting theneeds of dermatology patients and physicians," was founded in 1981 and has more than 3,200 employees in 31 affiliates around the world. Withapproximately 20% of sales invested each year to discover and developnew products and access innovative technologies, Galderma's laboratoryin Sophia-Antipolis, France, is said to be one of the largest R&D facilities inthe world dedicated exclusively to dermatology.