Crossbeta and Servier announce strategic alliance

Crossbeta and Servier announce strategic oligomer-based research collaboration in neurological diseases involving misfolded proteins

Crossbeta Biosciences and Servier today announced their collaboration in several research projects involving the use of Crossbeta’s technology for generating stable oligomers. Crossbeta and Servier will jointly develop multiple oligomer types that will be used by Servier for its preclinical research programs in CNS.

Misfolded proteins and oligomers are known to play an important role in various pathologies, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Huntington’s disease. Oligomer-based research, however, is very challenging because of the inherent instability of these protein aggregates. This might introduce large errors into experiments and renders their reproducibility difficult. Crossbeta’s technology overcomes this problem by uniquely enabling the generation of stable, well-defined oligomers while maintaining their pathobiological features.

“The collaboration with Servier is an important recognition of our technology and an excellent way for us to progress into new applications. The combined expertise of the cutting-edge teams at Servier and Crossbeta represents a wealth of knowledge and experience in oligomer-based research. We are expecting results of scientific and, ultimately, therapeutic significance from this forceful joint endeavour,” said Guus Scheefhals, CEO of Crossbeta Biosciences.

Christian De Bodinat, Director of Innovation Therapeutic Centre in Neuropsychiatry at Servier, commented: “We are very excited about this strategic partnership with Crossbeta. It allows Servier to benefit from Crossbeta’s extensive expertise and unique technology in this highly challenging field of research. Access to Crossbeta’s technology for generating stable oligomers will be significant support in accelerating Servier’s  therapeutic research programs in neurodegenerative diseases.”

About Crossbeta Biosciences

Crossbeta Biosciences is a biotech company with a proprietary technology for efficient oligomer-based drug discovery, with applications in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS and Huntington’s disease. Crossbeta’s technology allows the unprecedented generation of well-defined stable, pathobiologically functional, oligomers. Crossbeta’s oligomers have enabled the development of robust assays allowing fast, de-risked compound screening and characterization.

Crossbeta has demonstrated the unique capabilities of its proprietary technology in a therapeutic Alzheimer’s disease program by successfully identifying compounds that neutralize oligomer toxicity in vitro and in vivo.

Crossbeta offers its proprietary technology for strategic collaborative partnerships aimed at developing new oligomer targets and related screening assays and for therapeutic and diagnostic/biomarker development programs.

About Servier

Servier is a French research-based pharmaceutical company, managed by a foundation independent from financial markets. Its development is driven by the pursuit of innovation in the therapeutic areas of cardiovascular, metabolic, central nervous system, psychiatric, bone, muscle and joint diseases, as well as cancer. In 2014, the company recorded a turnover of 4 billion euros. 92% of Servier medicines are prescribed outside of France. 28% of turnover from Servier drugs was reinvested in Research and Development in 2014. Founded in 1954, Servier has now a strong international presence in 146 countries, and employs more than 21 400 people worldwide.