Senior representatives from Novartis explore research collaboration opportunities at Monash

Dr James Rush, Dr Marie Lindner, Prof Eric Morand,
Prof Christina Mitchell, Mr Mathew Cox, Dr Simon Fisher

A ‘reverse roadshow’ last week at the Clayton campus and Monash Health Translation Precinct (MHTP) with staff from Novartis Pharmaceuticals has enhanced the partnership between the global company and Monash University.

In 2015, Monash University, the Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash Health and Novartis announced a three year Memorandum of Understanding to increase the volume and scope of research collaborations with the goal of improved access to new medications for patients.

Novartis MoU Project Lead Mr Brett Roberts said the MoU undertakes to be innovative, share expertise and simplify execution to address the strategic plans of each business.   

“The agreement aims to increase clinical research and translational collaborations, enhance staff and student development via a bi-directional exchange and identify and share real-world evidence collaboration opportunities,” Mr Roberts said.

School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Heath Head, Professor Eric Morand said the partnership models innovation and showcases a true commitment to go beyond ‘business as usual’.

“In support of our goal to develop our translational research, representatives from the Research & Development engine room of Novartis Global (who were in Australia for AusBio) spent two days at Monash University reviewing projects and exploring collaboration opportunities,” Professor Morand said.

The representatives from Novartis included Dr Marie Lindner, Global Program Head, Strategic Partnerships Team; Dr James Rush, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel; Mr Simon Fisher, Chief Scientific Officer, Novartis Australia and New Zealand; Mr Brett Roberts, National Commercial Manager, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Australia; and Mr Mathew Cox, Clinical Research Medical Advisor, Novartis Australia and New Zealand.

Professor Morand said several areas of potential research collaboration have immediately arisen to the foreground and will be followed up with a potential to be developed down the track.

“The research strengths of the MHTP—cancer, cardiovascular, infectious and inflammatory diseases, neuroscience, and women’s and children’s health—are closely aligned with the therapeutic areas of Novartis and our shared commitment to the common good through better medicines,” Professor Morand said.

Apart from the specific projects, the team from Novartis was excited about the attention to detail of the Monash University medical research platform technologies.

“The fact they have all been established at ISO9001 is unique in the world, and is a huge positive for industry collaborations,” Professor Morand said.  

“One particular area of possible research interest is Monash’s health relationships with health partners who care for millions of people, and who process millions of tissue and blood samples, each containing a rich amount of biological material.

 “There is significant potential for the university to invest in a state-of-the-art biorepository platform, and industry is extremely interested in partnering with Monash on such endeavours.”

Professor Morand said Monash University already has strong relationships and co-investment with other companies and is excited about the potential of adding Novartis to our list of partners.