Cooperating in networks is of paramount importance to our success. In Germany, we belong to a top biotech cluster in the Rhine-Neckar region that is supported by the German federal government. Our researchers are participating in five subprojects. We are involved in pioneering work on new therapeutic strategies to eliminate tumor stem cells in collaboration with the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg.
Another example of our networks is the research alliance between the Merck Serono division and École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). Our joint efforts are focused on the areas of neuroscience, oncology and drug delivery. The agreement has provided for three Merck Serono-endowed chairs as well as a major research fund. One of the projects is exploring the use of nanotechnology to achieve better drug uptake.
By restructuring our partnership with ZymoGenetics, we now have exclusive worldwide development and commercialization rights for atacicept as well as access to other innovative approaches. Merck Serono is developing the recombinant fusion protein atacicept as a potential therapy for autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
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