Chiesi, an international biopharmaceutical group headquartered in Parma (Italy), has recently announced a new alliance with Karolinska Institutet (KI), a leading medical university and research centre in Sweden.
The agreement commits the two organisations to collaborate on advancing therapeutic solutions for urgent health challenges through joint research, development, and innovation.
Chiesi has been present in Nordic countries since 2014, working to become a market leader in respiratory health, rare diseases and speciality care.
The company acquired the Danish-Swedish biotech Zymenex as part of this strategy and now manages an R&D lab in Solna, Sweden. This partnership with Karolinska aims to better embed Chiesi in the local and European innovation ecosystem, reinforcing links with a leading European R&D centre.
Fabrizio Conicella, Chiesi’s Head of Center for Open Innovation & Competence, explains how this partnership will drive innovation, accelerate scientific discovery, and improve patient outcomes in areas of high unmet need.
Conicella has over 25 years of experience in life science innovation, including roles in science parks, innovation clusters, technology scouting, and academia.
How will this partnership accelerate Chiesi’s research and development initiatives?
Karolinska Institutet shares our longstanding commitment to improving patient care through the research and development of innovative new solutions. By pooling our ideas, expertise and resources, we will accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into tangible therapeutic solutions.
Our landmark collaboration will potentially advance therapies for urgent health challenges faced by patients with respiratory diseases, rare diseases, diseases correlated with prematurity and other speciality care diseases.
Could you tell us more about your planned research into preterm birth-associated early onset respiratory disease?
Chiesi has undertaken pioneering research into neonatology for nearly 30 years. Earlier this year, we formed a partnership with Oak Hill Bio to develop, manufacture, and commercialise OHB-607, an investigational drug candidate to treat complications of extremely premature birth. In particular, we will continue on our mission to offer innovative and effective treatments for pre-term babies with respiratory problems.
How will the alliance enhance your current work with Karolinska Institutet to improve patient outcomes?
Karolinska Institutet couples scientific infrastructure with clinical facilities. In this unique ecosystem, we will accelerate the process of bringing cutting-edge medicines from the laboratory to the patient.
Synergy with KI will optimise our efforts to develop new approaches and create therapeutic solutions that are motivated by the need of the patient.
How does Chiesi’s approach to research and development set the company apart from others in the pharmaceutical industry?
By working closely with research organisations such as KI, and patient advocacy groups, Chiesi ensures that every business decision is informed by an in depth understanding of patients’ needs.
From the very beginning of research and development, through clinical trials all the way to access and uptake, we are driven to improve the lives of patients.
Sustainability underpins Chiesi’s entire business strategy: Our company aims to create Shared Value and is committed to making a positive impact on patients, on our planet, and on people in general.
We believe true innovation thrives in an open environment that encourages bold ideas and transformative solutions. This requires embracing transparent, collaborative innovation free from hidden agendas challenging the status quo and co-creating impactful solutions.
That’s the power of open, collaborative innovation.
