Ipsen S.A., a global specialty-driven pharmaceutical company, and the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), a research institute under the aegis of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, announced the signature of a research partnership to study the intracellular trafficking of botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) within neurons.

By combining Ipsen's leading expertise in BoNT recombinant engineering and biology with IMCB's extensive knowledge and expertise in the fields of membrane and toxin trafficking and RNA interference screening, as well as in RNA interference screening, the collaboration aims to work on the key components of intracellular trafficking involved in the biological action of BoNTs. This work could potentially facilitate the design of new therapeutic toxins for addressing neurological disorders.

Professor Hong Wanjin, executive director, IMCB, said: "IMCB is very proud of this first, significant research partnership with Ipsen. The collaboration highlights how IMCB's research capabilities in the area of system biology of membrane trafficking can be leveraged by large pharmaceutical companies such as Ipsen to develop new therapeutics. I am confident that this collaboration will lead to more meaningful partnerships between Ipsen and IMCB."

Claude Bertrand, executive vice president, research & development and chief scientific officer of Ipsen, commented: "Ipsen is delighted to enter into a partnership with the IMCB which has an outstanding record of excellence in biological research. Ipsen's leading recombinant toxin expertise combined with the extensive knowledge at IMCB in respect to endomembrane biology and toxin intracellular trafficking expands our research capabilities towards innovative therapeutic solutions in neurology."

Under the terms of the agreement, Ipsen will support IMCB's expertise to advance knowledge on BoNTs. The partners will work closely together to move the project forward for the development of new BoNT-based therapeutics.

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore's lead public sector agency that spearheads economic oriented research to advance scientific discovery and develop innovative technology.

The Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB) was launched in 1985, and subsequently became an autonomous research institute of A*STAR, moving to Biopolis in 2004. IMCB's vision is to be a premier cell and molecular biology institute which addresses the mechanistic basis of human diseases and its mission is to conduct cutting-edge discovery research in disease pathways; to groom early career researchers to be future leaders in research; and to collaborate with medical and industry communities for research impact.

Ipsen is a global specialty-driven biotechnological group with total sales exceeding EU1.4 billion in 2015. Ipsen sells more than 20 drugs in more than 115 countries, with a direct commercial presence in more than 30 countries.