Sanofi-aventis has entered into a research collaboration agreement that will last several years through the Stanford University Bio-X program, according to Fierce Biotech.  The Stanford program supports, organizes, and facilitates interdisciplinary, collaborative and innovative research projects in the early phases of development.

A Stanford Bio-X and Sanofi-aventis joint steering committee will fund up to five programs a year.  Sanofi-aventis may also host post-doctoral fellows at the company and Stanford may invite Sanofi-aventis scientists to be visiting scholars and pursue research collaborations at Stanford. 

"Our approach to research and development must ensure we are at the center of the most innovative science, whether inside our own walls or through external partnerships, in order to continue to advance scientific knowledge and address patients' unmet medical needs," said Dr. Chew, senior vice president, CSO and CMO of Sanofi-aventis U.S.