AstraZeneca and Galderma Pharma S.A. (Galderma), a global speciality pharmaceutical company focused on dermatology, announced they have entered into a R&D collaboration to develop new treatments for dermatological conditions including psoriasis, acne and atopic dermatitis which significantly affect the health and quality of life for millions of people worldwide.
 
Under the terms of the agreement, Galderma will have exclusive access to a number of compounds from across AstraZeneca’s portfolio to develop in dermatological indications. Initial targets for collaboration have already been identified from disease areas as diverse as oncology, inflammation and central nervous system. These will be interrogated based on translational science and pre-clinical testing to determine the ones that will progress in the collaboration. The financial terms of the five-year agreement were not disclosed.
 
Alain Jacot, vice president and chief scientific officer of Galderma, said: “Galderma is committed to discovering, developing and delivering innovative solutions for dermatology patients and physicians. This unique and exclusive collaboration with one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies will complement Galderma’s internal R&D efforts and significantly enhance our ability to make important new discoveries that have the potential to treat serious dermatologic disorders.”
 
Clive Morris, Head of New Opportunities Innovative Medicines Unit at AstraZeneca, said: “This partnership is an example of how we are leveraging our science in new and creative ways through collaborations with recognized experts outside of AstraZeneca’s core therapy areas. Partnering with Galderma, a world-leader in dermatology, is the most efficient and effective way to unlock the potential of our compounds in this rapidly evolving disease area.”

Galderma’s ambition is to be recognized as the most competent and successful innovation-based company focused exclusively on meeting the needs of dermatology patients and physicians. A fully-integrated specialty pharmaceutical company, Galderma was founded in 1981 and has over 3200 employees in 31 affiliates around the world actively collaborating with doctors, scientists, research institutes, universities, and patient advocacy groups who all share a commitment to improving the health of skin.

AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business with a primary focus on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines for gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neuroscience, respiratory and inflammation, oncology and infectious disease. AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide.