Chinese pharma, Aussie university collaborate to develop cancer treatments

Yabao Pharmaceuticals and the University of South Australia would build a co-funded laboratory where drug candidates would be identified by the university. The laboratory is where new cancer treatments would be developed.

Yabao, one of the leading drug manufacturers in China, will contribute cash and in kind to discover new cancer medication. The drug candidates would be exclusively developed and commercialised by Yabao in China. The other markets would be held by the university.

Following the agreement, Yabao said it is always seeking to build relationships with organisations with innovative programmes to complement its development and commercial capabilities, said Yabao Pharmaceutical President of R&D Dr Peng Wang. He said the university’s highly regarded scientists and laboratories would find ways to develop vital new treatments for cancer patients.

Professor David Lloyd, vice chancellor and president of the university, said the strong collaboration with Yabao is expected to enhance the development of new therapies for cancer.

In 2014, Yabao entered into an innovative partnership with pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly to develop treatment for diabetes, particularly the glucokinase activator (GVA) LY2608204, which Eli Lilly just completed its Phase 1 studies in the US. Like its agreement with the university, Yabao got the rights to develop and commercialise the GVA in China, while Eli Lilly keeps the rest of the global market.

As proof of the high quality of University of South Australia scientists, in August, Professor Tanya Monro and Associate Professor Frank Bruno got Australia’s top science awards at the Australian Museum Euraka Prizes. Monro received the Prize for Excellence in Interdisciplinary Scientific Research, while Bruno was given the Prize for Innovative Use of Technology.

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