On Thursday, February 15, 2024, Tokai National Higher Education and Research System (THERS) concluded a comprehensive collaboration agreement with Nippon Boehringer Ingelheim Co., Ltd.

THERS and Boehringer Ingelheim have been closely working for years by engaging in funded research programs and joint research projects. Under this new agreement, two institutions aim to accelerate innovative drug discovery and advanced medical research through 'Sharing Medicine,' which focuses on the well-being of both humans and companion animals (referred to as 'One Medicine,' recognizing that diseases in humans and animals are interconnected). Both institutions will work together to utilize each one's advanced research achievements, the latest medical information, and their global networks to achieve well-being for humans and companion animals.

During the signing ceremony, Dr. Jan Stefan Scheld, Representative Director, Chairman and President of Nippon Boehringer Ingelheim Co., Ltd., stated, "The remarkable vision held by the Center for One Medicine Innovative Translational Research (COMIT), Gifu University aligns with Boehringer Ingelheim's principles. We strongly support the potential of academia, which fearlessly ventures into new medical domains for the benefit of patients."

THERS Chancellor MATSUO Seiichi, also stated, "Based on this comprehensive collaboration agreement, we will make our utmost to further strengthen our relationship and, in the future, expand our cooperative relationship throughout the entire THERS. This includes not only drug discovery research at COMIT, but also exploration of unmet needs by using 'Real World Data'."

THERS and Boehringer Ingelheim will continue to work closely together to accelerate innovative drug development, research on advanced medicine, and ensure the well-being of humans and animals under the conception of 'One Medicine.'