ChondroGene Limited has entered into an alliance with the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). The alliance provides a framework for ChondroGene to enter into collaborations with UCSF scientific researchers and clinicians in applying the Sentinel Principle to new diagnostic and therapeutic uses in a range of diseases.

The terms of the alliance will simplify and accelerate the execution of individual collaborations with specific investigators. In addition, the alliance framework details the intellectual property (IP) rights of new inventions stemming from any collaboration. ChondroGene will either own any IP solely or jointly, or in cases where the invention was solely developed by UCSF researchers, will have an option for an exclusive license, release from ChondroGene said.

UCSF is one of three University of California campuses associated with the California Institute of Quantitative Biomedical Research (QB3) whose mandate is to foster relationships between its affiliated institutions and industry partners in order to facilitate the transfer of science and research into products, techniques, and knowledge that can improve human health. Established in 2000, QB3 has been involved in facilitating a number of collaborations with industry. This is the first such relationship with a Canadian biotechnology company.

"UCSF is widely recognized as an international leader in leading-edge biomedical research and the delivery of high quality clinical care. We are pleased to be working with UCSF investigators in applying the Sentinel Principle to critical areas of unmet clinical need," K. Wayne Marshall, President and CEO of ChondroGene said adding, "We expect to initiate a number of clinical studies in cancer, cardiovascular diseases and central nervous system disorders this year and are looking forward to building a strong alliance with UCSF."