Genzyme joins malaria drug research consortium

Boston-based Genzyme has joined a research consortium targeted at finding new ways to fight malaria. The biotech company is joining the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, the nonprofit Medicines for Malaria and India's Advinus Therapeutics to advance new drugs that target key enzymes responsible for the survival of the malaria parasite.

Genzyme moved into India a year ago with an eye toward assisting R&D programs for neglected diseases. The company says it has no plans to try and capitalize on any new therapies that are developed by the consortium.

"This collaboration is a powerful example of how industry can partner with others to fight the devastating impact of diseases affecting the developing world," said Henri A. Termeer, chairman and CEO of Genzyme Corporation. "We look forward to our collaboration with Advinus as we extend our efforts to improve human health into developing regions like India."

- see Genzyme's release

ALSO: Scientists have identified a virus that infects the world's most dangerous mosquitoes, and it may eventually be used to either kill off the malaria-carrying insect or prevent them from spreading disease. Article

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