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Servier and Institut Curie extend duration and scope of partnership in fight against cancer

5 September 2017 – Servier and Institut Curie have decided to prolong their partnership in the fight against cancer by three years, extending its scope to include new research areas such as immuno-oncology, haematology and cardiology.

The main goals of this partnership are to identify new therapeutic combinations (the use of two complementary treatments to increase efficacy while reducing adverse effects), including molecules from Servier’s development portfolio, and to better characterise patients who might benefit from certain molecules (targeted therapies).
The joint research programmes, covered by this partnership launched in 2005, have already resulted in the identification of several therapeutic targets, for example TTK/MPS1 kinase, an enzyme involved in the cell cycle. The deregulation of this enzyme leads to abnormal cell proliferation, which in turn facilitates the development of tumours. Inhibiting its activity therefore has potential for curbing tumour growth. A further common research programme will focus on supporting the development of a Servier drug candidate targeting this kinase.
The new programmes, which will also study how various solid tumours resist treatments, will benefit from large data bases and tens of thousands of tumour samples from Institut Curie.
“Over the past twelve years, we have been able to appreciate not only the advantages of this public-private partnership for research and innovation that benefits patients, but also the excellence of Institut Curie teams in both fundamental and clinical research,” said Mike Burbridge, Director of Translational and Clinical Research in Oncology at Servier.
“The collaboration between Institut Curie and Servier is the most ambitious project our institute has ever has with an industrial partner. The longevity of this historic partnership bears witness to our mutual trust, which is reinforced by the major progress that has been made in breast cancer research,” said Amaury Martin, Technology Transfer & Industrial Partnerships Office Director at Institut Curie.
Indeed, private-public partnerships are an asset when it comes to developing therapies that meet significant medical needs, as they accelerate the development of innovative treatments. They also increase the research potential of academic research centres. For example, since its launch, this partnership has led to the creation of three permanent positions at institute Curie, and to the recruitment of 25 technicians, engineers, students and young researchers on a temporary basis.

About Servier
Servier is an international pharmaceutical company governed by a non-profit foundation, with its headquarters in France (Suresnes). With a strong international presence in 148 countries and a turnover of 4 billion euros in 2016, Servier employs 21,000 people worldwide. Entirely independent, the Group reinvests 25% of its turnover (excluding generic drugs) in research and development and uses all its profits for development. Corporate growth is driven by Servier’s constant search for innovation in five areas of excellence: cardiovascular, immune-inflammatory and neuropsychiatric disease, oncology and diabetes, as well as by its activities in high-quality generic drugs.
Becoming a key player in oncology is part of Servier’s long-term strategy. Currently, there are nine molecular entities in clinical development in this area, targeting gastric and lung cancers and other solid tumors, as well as different types of leukemia and lymphomas. This portfolio of innovative cancer treatments is being developed with partners worldwide, and covers different cancer hallmarks and modalities, including cytotoxics, proapoptotics, immune, cellular and targeted therapies, to deliver life-changing medicines to patients.
More information: www.servier.com

About Institut Curie and Curie Cancer
Institut Curie, a leading player in the fight against cancer, comprises an internationally renowned research centre and a state-of-the-art hospital that treats all types of cancer, even the rarest. Founded in 1909 by Marie Curie, Institut Curie is staffed by more than 3,300 researchers, doctors and caregivers with focus on three missions: care, research and teaching.
A private foundation of recognised public benefit authorised to receive donations and bequests, Institut Curie is able to accelerate discoveries and thereby improve treatments and quality of life for patients through the support of its donors.
To find out more: www.curie.fr

Contacts
Servier
External Communications Department
Karine Bousseau
Tél. : + 33.155.72.40.21 / +33.649.92.16.05
media@servier.com

Institut Curie
External Communications Department
Catherine Goupillon-Senghor
Tel : +33 156 24 55 23
service.presse@curie.fr