UniQuest collaborates with MSD to develop immuno-oncology therapies

Global health care leader MSD has signed an agreement with The University of Queensland to develop a platform for new immuno-oncology therapies.

The collaboration will combine the expertise of MSD's Research Labs in oncology and immunotherapy with the work of Professor Ranjeny Thomas and Professor Riccardo Dolcetti at UQ’s Diamantina Institute to developing new treatments for cancer.

Professor Thomas said the agreement, signed with UQ commercialisation company UniQuest Pty Ltd, was an exciting collaboration.

“Both teams will be contributing unique expertise in immunology and oncology, as well as their own proprietary technologies, to enhance the performance of a range of cancer therapies,” she said.

“We’re very excited to be working with MSD who are at the forefront of developing immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer.”

UniQuest CEO Dr Dean Moss said the project built on a long history of collaboration between MSD and The University of Queensland and demonstrated the quality of the translational and clinical research undertaken at UQ.

“This collaboration strengthens the relationship between UQ’s world-class researchers and one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, starting with the commercialisation of the Gardasil HPV vaccine and, more recently, the research collaboration with UniQuest spin-out company Vaxxas to commercialise the Nanopatch vaccine delivery technology.”

Under the agreement, MSD will be responsible for the clinical development activities of research outcomes.

Media: Uniquest, Danielle Koopman, +61 409 767 199; MSD, Tanya Holloway, +61 407 695 885.