Boehringer Ingelheim and BioMed X Collaborate to Discover New Epigenetic Regulators of COPD

HEIDELBERG, Germany, Jan. 5, 2015 /CNW/ - BioMed X announced today that they have entered into a collaboration agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim to establish a research group focusing on the identification of novel therapeutic concepts for treating patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Outstanding early career scientists from leading academic institutions world-wide are invited to submit original project proposals in the field of epigenetics and COPD. Boehringer Ingelheim and BioMed X will jointly select the best ideas and life science talents to form a new research group within BioMed X's open innovation lab in Heidelberg. BioMed X has developed a unique innovation model offering a project plan competition, an attractive funding package, entrepreneurial education and guidance by experienced mentors from academia and Boehringer Ingelheim. BioMed X's open innovation lab is part of the vibrant life science campus of the University of Heidelberg which provides an inspiring, interdisciplinary environment for project teams. The unique supportive setting of BioMed X provides an exciting opportunity for the winners of the project plan competition to transform state-of-the-art epigenetic science into treatment opportunities for COPD patients.

BioMed X will be responsible for recruitment of the new research group, the operation of the innovation center facility, providing entrepreneurial education and enabling access to the Heidelberg scientific community and research facilities. "We welcome Boehringer Ingelheim as additional pharmaceutical partner to our Innovation Center", said Christian Tidona, founder and Managing Director of BioMed X. "This is a major milestone in our endeavor to bridge the translational gap between academia and the pharmaceutical industry."

Further details of the agreement and financial terms are not disclosed.

SOURCE BioMed X GmbH

Dr. Christian Tidona, Phone [phone]