Pfizer and CSHL to ally on cancer research

Pfizer is entering into a new collaboration with Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) that could help to accelerate its cancer research projects.

The alliance will see the companies developing a next-generation human shRNA library, which could be used to silence gene expression via the process of RNA interference.

Via this process, Pfizer will be able to more easily identify new therapeutic targets for cancer, with both organisations benefiting from the shared expertise of each other's research staff.

CSHL played a vital role in the creation of the first ever shRNA library, which was developed by Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator and CSHL professor Greg Hannon.

Bob Abraham, Pfizer's oncology chief scientific officer, said this arrangement "will marry cutting-edge shRNA technologies with our efforts in cancer genetics and complex tumour models toward the singular goal of identifying and validating novel targets for cancer therapeutics".

Earlier this week, Pfizer announced clinical data from a trial of its new lung cancer drug Xalkori, demonstrating its efficacy compared to standard chemotherapy.