Electronics giant Royal Philips and Institute of Health Sciences (IHS), a part of the Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences (SIBS) and affiliated to the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, will establish a joint research laboratory within the IHS in Shanghai, China. The joint laboratory will conduct advanced research in the field of molecular medicine and is aimed at biomarker discovery and test development for next-generation in vitro diagnostic testing.
Philips and the IHS have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a joint molecular medicine research program. The aim of this initiative is to create new solutions for the early diagnosis of disease and for monitoring the effectiveness of subsequent treatment. Early diagnosis and personalized treatment will lead to increased comfort and better outcomes for patients. As part of this unique collaboration, Philips intends to locate a team of its own scientists at the joint research laboratory.
Mr Rick Harwig, Chief Technology Officer, Royal Philips Electronics said, “This agreement to set up a joint research laboratory with the IHS in China is a prime example of the Open Innovation approach that Philips is taking in order to bring the many benefits of molecular medicine into patient care. As an international company with an ambition to provide healthcare solutions that are tailored to local needs, we are delighted to be partnering with a Chinese institute that within the space of a few years has become renowned for its life sciences research.”
Prof Ranging Gan, Vice President of SIBS said, “This collaboration will give us access to Philips’ global research organization, especially the European laboratories, and should serve as a good example for further European collaborations. The combination of our expertise in translational biomedical research and Philips’ expertise in advanced medical instrumentation will definitely accelerate the development of new healthcare solutions for the Chinese people as well as people around the world.”