Buddy system for orphan disease

The Wellcome Trust has launched a program to fund early stage translational research in rare and orphan diseases. Participation in the program, dubbed the Pathfinder Award Scheme, requires academics or not-for-profits to pair up with an industry partner at the outset.

Industry partners will contribute expertise and project-specific services but are not required to contribute cash. Companies participating in the scheme receive rights of first refusal for new IP arising from the partnership...