GlaxoSmithKline is working with the University of California to advance genomic research

pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has announced plans to work with the University of California to promote genomic research and improve drug research and development.In a five-year partnership, the two companies plan to create a state-of-the-art CRISPR technology lab, called the Genomics Research Laboratory (LGR), which represents a new hybrid model in which industry and academic researchers come together to work together and independently.The lab brings together "industry-expertise CRISPR pioneers" to help unlock the mystery of the human genome and explores how genetic mutations can cause disease and uses CRISPR to develop new technologies to rapidly accelerate the development of new drugs."Technology is key to glaxoSmithKline's innovation strategy, and CRISPR is one of the most important technologies of our time," said Dr. Hal Barron, GlaxoSmithKline's chief scientific officer and president of research and development. With Jennifer and Jonathan helping guide LGR's expertise, I believe the lab will greatly advance our scientific understanding of the relationship between genes and disease to help find better drugs faster.LGR will receive up to $67 million over five years, including 24 full-time university employees funded by GlaxoSmithKline and up to 14 full-time GlaxoSmithKline employees, and will be located on the Mission Bay campus at the University of California, San Francisco.The collaboration will be managed by a joint steering committee represented by the University of Equity and GlaxoSmithKline, with other joint subcommittees covering patent, science and project management. (Compiled by this network)