The University of Geneva (UNIGE), Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) and the Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB) have formed a strategic collaboration with Roche in translational medical research. The initial focus will be on basic research, bioinformatics and biomarker development in cardiology, hematology, pathology and applied human toxicology.

"We consider Geneva as one of the few centers that combines the expertise of world-class specialists in the field of proteomics and bioinformatics, with a strong translational set-up between labs and the clinic," said Jacky Vonderscher, global head of translational research sciences at Roche. "This close link between diverse disciplines is absolutely key to better understand the diseases at the molecular level and ultimately to discover new diagnostic and therapeutic interventions."

Translational medical research translates basic scientific research into medical practice with the ultimate objective to deliver personalized healthcare to patients. This collaboration will focus on promising fields such as biomarkers, applied human toxicology and bioinformatics, with a goal to develop better medical diagnostics and treatment choices tailored to patients. Roche has established such collaborations with distinguished universities in the U.S., Asia and Europe. "Innovation is at the core of Roche R&D to deliver better medicines to patients and we want to partner with excellent academic universities to progress translational research from the lab to patients," said Azhar Khan, Head of Roche Academic Alliances.

"This agreement witnesses the high level of competences of Geneva's scientists and clinicians," said Denis Hochstrasser, professor at the medical and sciences faculties and initiator of the partnership.

Projects will be selected jointly based on areas of mutual interest in line with scientific and ethical guidelines and rules of the collaborating institutions.