The Whitehead Institute signed an agreement with Biogen Idec to focus on early-stage research that may lead to the development of novel therapies across a broad range of disease areas. Biogen Idec will provide $5.25 million over the next three years to support research projects led by Whitehead Institute principal investigators. A joint committee of Whitehead and Biogen Idec scientists will determine the research projects to be funded under the agreement. These programs will aim to improve human health through basic biomedical research in the areas of immunology, neurology, developmental biology, genetics, and genomics.
Whitehead Institute researchers will be paired with counterparts from Biogen Idec, developing integrated and collaborative programs from the outset of each engagement, according to Spyros Artavanis-Tsakonas, CSO at Biogen Idec.
“We are excited for this opportunity to work with one of the premiere research institutions in the world to pioneer novel research,” said Artavanis-Tsakonas. “This collaboration demonstrates our joint commitment to finding ways to better understand the underlying biology of complex diseases, focusing on innovative initiatives where together we can drive new insights through cutting-edge research.”