Spain-based Almirall SA and integrated drug discovery partner, BioFocus, has signed a collaboration agreement to find new hit compounds against key targets of interest to Almirall. These compounds will be used to support projects aimed at the treatment of respiratory and inflammatory conditions.

Under the terms of the collaboration, BioFocus will apply its screening technologies and compound collections to an undisclosed number of Almirall projects.

“We have been impressed by the depth of the BioFocus technology platforms, the size, content and diversity of the available compound decks and the obvious strength and experience of the scientists that will be engaged on our projects working on respiratory and inflammatory conditions,” said Dr Bertil Lindmark, CSO, executive director R&D of Almirall.

“We are delighted to form a drug discovery alliance with one of Europe’s leading research-based pharmaceutical companies,” added Dr Kate Hilyard, VP Biological Sciences, BioFocus.

Almirall is an international pharmaceutical company based on innovation and committed to health. It researches, develops, manufactures and commercialises its own R&D and licensed drugs with the aim of improving people’s health and wellbeing.

BioFocus provides integrated drug discovery that delivers pre-clinical drug candidates in all therapeutic areas with strong capability in neurodegenerative diseases, inflammatory diseases and with a growing track record of delivering candidates against rare and neglected diseases.