Doha: Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) leading research institute Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI) signed a collaboration agreement with Scripps Research, ranked as the most influential institution in the world for its impact on innovation.
Under the said agreement, QBRI and Scripps Research will combine their respective scientific expertise and world-class facilities to accelerate biomarker and drug discovery for unmet medical needs. The partnership will enable the exchange of expertise and capabilities between laboratories of both institutes. It also identifies several joint research projects that lay the groundwork for future broader opportunities.
Scripps Research scientists are at the forefront of research efforts and education in the biomedical sciences, including translational research. Recently, Scripps Research Professor Ardem Patapoutian was awarded the 2021 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for groundbreaking research that solved a long-standing mystery of how the body senses touch and other mechanical stimuli.
Qatar Foundation Vice President for Research, Development, and Innovation and HBKU Vice President, Dr. Richard O’Kennedy said: “Last year brought many advancements in biomedical and health research at a pace that many previously believed impossible. As the world recovers from the pandemic, we must also welcome the many insights it provided for the scientific community and the drug development process - in particular, the value and impact of meaningful partnerships. We are delighted to be entering this collaboration with Scripps Research to accelerate innovative biomedical research aimed at enhancing the quality of life and well-being of our citizens.”
The collaboration will leverage the drug discovery infrastructure and expertise established at Calibr - the drug discovery division of Scripps Research - to address pressing medical needs that range from chronic diseases of the intestine and lung to COVID-19 and other viruses of concern. It will also leverage the proteomics capabilities at QBRI to identify biomarkers that facilitate clinical trials. One of QBRI’s seven research core facilities - the proteomics core - represents an important and enabling platform for interdisciplinary research programs that improve the understanding of different human diseases and aims to contribute to the development of precision medicine in Qatar.
Projects led by Scripps Research will focus on developing therapies for intestinal and lung repair, whereas projects led by QBRI Executive Director, Dr. Omar El-Agnaf, and QBRI Director of the Diabetes Research Center, Dr. Paul Thornalley, will identify novel therapies against SARS-CoV-2.
Dr. El-Agnaf said: “Working closely with a leader in medical breakthroughs that aims to develop profound innovations and improve wellbeing is an honor.
Collaborations like these demonstrate the high standard of research we conduct at QBRI. Together with Scripps Research, we can generate innovative solutions of great importance to science and medicine with a focus on biomarkers and drug discovery for the advancement of precision medicine. Through this partnership, we can further our vision to develop healthcare solutions and create new innovations.”
The partnership also includes the identification of therapeutic agents for neurodegenerative diseases, led by QBRI Research Director, Dr. Nasser Zawia.
“Together, we hope to translate fundamental scientific discoveries into clinical advances that improve patient outcomes and human health,” said Dr. Zawia.
Scripps Research President and CEO, Dr. Peter Schultz said: “We are excited to partner with QBRI, with whom we share a commitment to scientific excellence and serving public health needs. This joint research effort gives the teams at QBRI and Scripps Research the opportunity to leverage our respective areas of expertise for a global impact.”
