4 December 2024
In a recent interview with Heping Xu and Mei Chen, Professors at the Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences at Queen’s University Belfast, we had the opportunity to gain valuable insights about their collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim facilitated by a Molecule for Collaboration call on opnMe.
opnMe: How has opnMe helped you to advance your research?
Heping Xu and Mei Chen: Our research focuses on the role of inflammation in sight-threatening retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR). In 2021, we were awarded an opnMe project to investigate the effects of IL1 family cytokines in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. The project granted us access to a unique compound, BI-5041, giving us the opportunity to explore the therapeutic potential of blocking the IL1-receptor associated protein (IL1RAP) in retinal diseases such as AMD. This project enabled the establishment of a successful partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim leading to further collaborations in retinal disease research.
opnMe: What role did opnMe play in the establishment of your partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim?
Heping Xu and Mei Chen: Prior to our engagement with the opnMe project, we were unaware of Boehringer Ingelheim’s interests in retinal degenerative diseases, nor did we have any partnership experience with Boehringer. During the opnMe project, we worked closely with various members of the Boehringer and opnMe team including the project manager, scientists, and technical assistants. We were generally impressed by their professional handling and support throughout the project. The keen interest in science displayed by them was refreshing and this mutual understanding led to two more collaborative projects with Boehringer Ingelheim.
opnMe: In which way has opnMe changed your opinion about open science or open innovation?
Heping Xu and Mei Chen: Open science and open innovation have always been challenging factors for the scientific community. We view the opnMe scheme as an excellent approach towards promoting open science and open innovation. First, it offers open access to molecules allowing researchers across the globe to access and order pre-clinical molecules developed by Boehringer Ingelheim. Second, the opnMe initiative encourages collaboration. It fosters open collaborations spanning different institutions and countries to tackle important scientific questions. We believe the opnMe is a notable contribution to the open science movement. It aids in breaking down the traditional barriers in scientific research and pushes the boundaries of what is possible in drug discovery. The scheme will certainly expedite drug discovery and foster innovation.
opnMe: What do you like in particular about your current collaboration?
Heping Xu and Mei Chen: Since being awarded the opnMe project in 2021, we have set up another two collaborative projects with Boehringer centering around retinal degeneration and its related complication. Mutual scientific interest lays the foundation of our collaborations, and the regular open and constructive discussion between us and the team from Boehringer Ingelheim ensures a fruitful outcome in our collaborative efforts. We particularly appreciate the consistent open dialogue and the timely, effective communication between both partners.
opnMe: How did you experience your interaction with the opnMe team?
Heping Xu and Mei Chen: Overall, interacting with the opnMe team was a pleasant experience. The information provided for the funding application was detailed but not exhaustive. The application process was straightforward. It took some time to sign the contract, but it was understandable given this was the first collaboration between us and Boehringer. The project management team demonstrated their professionalism throughout the process.
opnMe: Thank you Heping and Mei for sharing your insightful experience about your work and collaboration with opnMe and Boehringer.
To learn more about this collaborative research project please check out the abstract on ARVO Journals: IL1 family signalling is not involved in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell senescence in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) | IOVS | ARVO Journals
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About our call for “Molecules for Collaboration”:
On opnMe we shared with BI-5041 a highly potent and selective human IL1RAP mAb (IL1-receptor associated protein monoclonal antibody) for collaboration and invited scientist globally to submit research proposals to test the utility of BI-5041 in novel disease indications with high unmet medical need.
About opnMe:
opnMe.com, the open science portal of Boehringer Ingelheim, fosters science and collaboration initiatives in areas of high unmet medical need. Our molecules are provided to the scientific community either free of charge as “Molecules to Order” or applied for via scientific research submissions as “Molecules for Collaboration”. With our “opn2EXPERTS” and “techMATCH” programs, we enlist scientific advice on key scientific topics to fuel further drug discovery and deliver novel solutions that benefit unmet patient needs. Our "opn2TALENTS" postdoc grants at one of our research sites offer opportunities for high-level talents to propose innovative approaches for precisely defined scientific questions.