AlmirallShare, the open innovation R&D platform of Almirall, S.A. (ALM), has attracted the attention of scientists from universities, research centres, and start-ups interested in dermatological research, proving to be a successful platform designed to facilitate the establishment of collaborations in dermatological research and find innovative solutions in medical dermatology. Up to now, more than 450 scientists from all continents have subscribed to AlmirallShare and over 170 different proposals have been received.
AlmirallShare addresses challenges such as the identification of therapeutic targets and experimental disease models, the development of new therapeutic treatments as well as novel technologies in dermatology. These challenges are translated into Calls for Proposals (CFPs) that are published on AlmirallShare web page (sharedinnovation.almirall.com), so that scientists from all continents can submit their proposals for collaborations.
Since its launch in September 2017, we have issued three CFPs. The first CFP was focused on increasing the understanding of skin pathology in our core diseases by funding the development of translational preclinical models.
In 2018, we issued the CFP ‘Adding Value to Your Assets’ to find a use for existing advanced small molecules in the therapeutic treatment of diseases. It will be open on permanent basis. The most recent CFP, ‘Novel Targets for Skin Health’, offered research funding for work on novel targets that may form the basis for new medicines in dermatological diseases. It is open until the end of February 2019.
Outstanding results of 2018 are the establishment of two research partnerships on preclinical models for atopic dermatitis. We have funded research by Professor Dr. Günther Eissner, Principal Investigator of Translational Systems Biology, and Dr. Leila Smith, from System Biology Ireland at the University College Dublin (Ireland) on the development of a novel atopic dermatitis murine model. The work by Dr. Craig Murdoch from the School of Clinical Dentistry of the University of Sheffield (UK) on the development of an immune competent human skin equivalent model of atopic dermatitis for preclinical drug testing has also been supported. On top of that, two biotech companies have been identified as new providers of state-of-the-art experimental models.
Additional proposals selected from 2018 calls are currently being explored and new scientific collaborations will start very soon.
“We are excited about AlmirallShare results achieved so far. We have started our journey to develop new therapies for medical dermatology sharing Science and innovation with the Scientific community”, said Maribel Crespo, AlmirallShare Leader. “AlmirallShare is helping to advance our R&D strategy, focused in delivering true breakthrough innovation and real differentiation for patients and healthcare professionals”.
For more information, please visit almirall.com
