Monash University Partners with Ono Pharmaceutical for Autoimmune Disease Therapies
Monash University and Ono Pharmaceutical have signed two licence agreements for the development of anti-GPCR antibodies targeting autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The agreements result from Ono exercising options on research collaborations announced in 2023. The partnership combines Monash's research excellence with Ono's drug development capabilities to address unmet medical needs.
Monash University and Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. have signed two licence agreements that will enable Ono to develop and commercialise anti-GPCR antibodies for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The agreements mark the progression of a three-year research collaboration into commercial development, targeting areas with unmet medical needs including immunology and inflammation.
The licence agreements were signed as a result of Ono exercising their options on two research collaboration projects announced in 2023 and led by Associate Professor Remy Robert from Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute. G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) comprise the largest class of membrane receptors and amount to approximately 800 in the human genome, with GPCR-targeted therapeutics comprising major drug classes in many disease areas.
Monash University is Australia's largest university with more than 80,000 students and has developed a reputation for world-leading high-impact research, quality teaching, and inspiring innovation. The university has been translating game-changing research into impactful commercial outcomes for more than 60 years, with Monash spin-outs developing sustainable solutions to global challenges and advancing scientific breakthroughs in areas including cardiovascular disease and mental health.
Ono Pharmaceutical delivers innovative therapies for patients worldwide, upholding its philosophy of "Dedicated to the Fight against Disease and Pain." The company targets areas with unmet medical needs including oncology, immunology & inflammation and neurology, and fosters partnerships with academic and biotech organizations to accelerate drug discovery. Through its affiliate, Deciphera Pharmaceuticals, Ono is accelerating clinical development and commercial operations in the US and Europe to drive global business expansion and further its commitment to patient care.
Monash's Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences and Monash Innovation facilitated the partnership between Monash University and Ono. The collaboration represents a joint effort between the Robert Laboratory, the faculty's Business Development team, Monash Innovation and the University's Office of the General Counsel working together to create opportunities for impactful research and innovation.