AbbVie, University of Chicago team on cancer innovation efforts

CHICAGO — AbbVie and the University of Chicago announced this week a new five-year collaboration to advance oncology medical research and improve the pace of discovery for both organizations.

AbbVie will provide funding for clinical trials, preclinical research and possible future programs that could result from the partnership. University of Chicago physicians and researchers will be able to participated in AbbVie-sponsored clinical trials, as well as have access to new therapies that AbbVie has developed for use in preclinical research. AbbVie will have an option for an exclusive license to certain University of Chicago discoveries made under the agreement.

"Advancements in oncology – both at the basic science and clinical levels – are happening faster and more broadly every day," said Gary Gordon, M.D., Ph.D., vice president, oncology clinical development, AbbVie. "Collaborating closely with the scientists and clinicians at the University of Chicago allows us to expand our own research efforts even further to benefit patients."

The agreement will also see the two organizations hosting an annual symposium with scientists from the two discussing research and evaluating potential new projects.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our investigators to join forces with a leader in oncology and new drug development, accelerate the pace of discovery and deliver clinical benefits to our patients,” cancer specialist Dr. Everett Vokes, professor and chairman of medicine at the University of Chicago, said. "This will support pre-clinical research, give our physician-scientists earlier access to drugs in the AbbVie pipeline and lay the groundwork for further interaction and collaboration."