MedImmune, the global biologics R&D arm of AstraZeneca, and Joslin Diabetes Center, a diabetes research and clinical care organization based in Boston, Mass., have inked a three-year research collaboration to develop new medicines for the treatment of diabetes, obesity and related metabolic disorders.

MedImmune and Joslin researchers will work collaboratively on research projects to identify new drug candidates. Three initial projects have been identified, focusing on several key areas, including protecting and regenerating the insulin producing beta cells, increasing the caloric utilization of fat depots (“beiging” white fat or expanding brown fat), and replicating the beneficial effects of bariatric surgery pharmacologically. The collaboration is structured with the potential for more projects to be added as new compelling science is identified.

“Cardiovascular and metabolic disease (CVMD) is a main therapy area for MedImmune, and we are pleased to enter this new research partnership with Joslin Diabetes Center to identify and translate the most promising emerging science into novel drug development projects with the potential to help patients suffering with diabetes, obesity and other metabolic diseases,” said Cristina Rondinone, vice president and head, MedImmune’s CVMD Innovative Medicines Unit.

MedImmune will provide research funding to Joslin and bring drug development experience to complement Joslin’s early metabolic disease research competencies and clinical care infrastructure. MedImmune has the option to license development and commercial rights to projects emerging from the collaboration.