Dietrich School Faculty Invited to Shire Kick Off Event, November 18

The University of Pittsburgh has entered into a new translational research collaboration with Shire Pharmaceuticals to co-develop new therapies for orphan and rare diseases. Shire’s interest stems from the deep expertise at Pitt in basic mechanisms undergirding such diseases, as the starting point for knowledge-based therapy development.

Funding will be provided for project of interest as determined by a Joint Steering Committee (JSC), and that funding will not be limited by a specific monetary cap. Short proposals of no more than three pages will be accepted on an ongoing basis, and evaluated by the JSC. After approval, the JSC and Alliance Manager will develop a milestone-based program with the PI at Pitt, and that project will be actively managed for progress. The intent will be to develop lead compounds which show pre-clinical in vivo efficacy within three years or sooner.

Rare diseases are defined as conditions that affect fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S., or that affect more than 200,000 persons but are not expected to recover the costs of developing and marketing a treatment drug.

A presentation has been scheduled for November 18 to kick off the partnership and provide an opportunity for faculty to meet  representatives from Shire. Lunch will be served, and there will be a reception following the presentation to discuss future research with senior scientists from Shire and the full JSC.

Location: O’Hara Student Center, Dining Room (corner of O’Hara and University Place)

Time: 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m.: Boxed lunches will be available for all attendees;

12 p.m.-1:30 p.m.: Presentation and Q&A Session

For questions or more information, please contact Jessica Roberts at jer147@pitt.edu or 624.9169