Bayer and Kyoto University have agreed on a strategic research alliance to jointly identify new drug targets for the treatment of pulmonary diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

The collaboration will build on discoveries and expertise developed by Dr. Atsuyasu Sato at the Department of Respiratory Medicine at Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine at Kyoto University, especially with regard to the role of epithelial cells in the pathogenesis of IPF, combining it with Bayer’s expertise in drug discovery and development. Both partners will contribute personnel, infrastructure and unique technologies to further explore common hypotheses allowing identification of new treatment options.

Under the agreement, Bayer and Kyoto University will jointly conduct research activities to identify new drug targets. Bayer will have an option for the exclusive use of the collaboration results. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.