Eisai pairs up with a French research shop to find new cancer drugs

Japanese drugmaker Eisai has aligned itself with France's Paoli Calmettes Institute to spotlight potential oncology therapies. Under the agreement, the nonprofit institute will screen Eisai-invented chemicals in hopes of identifying protein inhibitors that could merit further development. Eisai's Massachusetts-headquartered discovery team will work alongside institute staff for one year, deciding thereafter whether to extend the collaboration. Eisai has recently expanded its focus on oncology as recent patent expiries for the Alzheimer's disease drug Aricept and acid reflux treatment AcipHex have its revenue on the decline. Release