MSD associated with academic scientists and entrepreneurs in the field of biotechnology to create the California Institute for Biomedical Research (Calibr)

Whitehouse Station, NJ, and San Diego, march 2012.- MSD, known in the United States and Canada as Merck & Co., Inc., has announced a collaboration to create the California Institute for biomedical research (California Institute for Biomedical Research, Calibr), an independent non-profit (501c3) organization established to accelerate the translation of basic biomedical research in new and innovative medicines to treat diseases.

Calibr will be led by Dr. Peter g. Schultz, a chemist and businessman in the biotechnology sector recognized worldwide. The Institute will offer academic scientists from around the world, a road agile, efficient and flexible to move its biomedical research on new drugs.
Calibr represents a new paradigm for translational research in initial phase ”, said Dr. Schultz, director of Calibr and Professor of chemistry at The Scripps Research Institute. joining the experience in drug discovery and Calibr resources, academic researchers will have the opportunity to maximize the possible therapeutic value of his research ”.

Calibr scientists will work in collaboration with academic scientists to promote new discoveries to reach the pre-clinical phases, time in which trading partners will be sought to continue their developments.

MSD Calibr will provide funding of $ 90 million over a period of seven years. MSD has the option to obtain the exclusive licence of any protein or therapeutic candidate of small molecules as a result of the work done by Calibr.

For any project on which MSD does not have the license, Calibr will be free to seek alternative sources of funding to continue development. In addition, the Institute aims to also access to funding from both governmental and non-governmental sources. Licensing revenue will be divided between Calibr and collaborating institutions.

The scientific community project proposals will be chosen on the basis of biomedical impact, the novelty that is and its technical feasibility and will be reviewed by a Scientific Advisory Committee led by Dr. Christopher T. Walsh, Professor at Hamilton Kuhn, Department of biological chemistry and pharmacology of Harvard University. In addition, an independent Executive Board led by Dr. John D. Diekman, founder and Executive partner from 5 AM Ventures will oversee the activities of the Institute.

An effective translation of basic biomedical research is essential to empower the next generation of innovative treatments ”, noted Dr. Peter S. Kim, President of Merck Research Laboratories and member of the Scientific Advisory Committee on Calibr. Calibr will provide a scenario in which the scientists engaged in basic research and those who they work in the discovery of drugs can take advantage of their respective potential in the fight against the disease ”.

Calibr will be located in San Diego, California, near The Scripps Research Institute, the Salk Institute, the University of California in San Diego and the Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute. Calibr will be equipped with screening and technical image, medical chemistry and protein and pre-clinical sciences more avant-garde and higher-performance installations.

On Calibr

The California Institute for biomedical research (Calibr) is an independent non-profit (501c3) organization established to accelerate the translation of basic biomedical research to new and innovative medicines to treat diseases. It has been designed to provide expertise and resources for academic scientists to maximize the therapeutic potential of their discoveries. The Institute was founded by Dr. Peter g. Schultz, funded by Merck.

about MSD

currently MSD is a leader in global health that works to contribute to global health. MSD is known as Merck & Co., Inc. in United States and Canada. Through our medicines, vaccines, biological therapies, consumer products and veterinarians, work with clients operating in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to increase access to health services through far-reaching policies, programs and collaborations.