AstraZeneca, MRC in screening deal

AstraZeneca plc (LSE:AZN; NYSE:AZN) and the U.K.'s Medical Research Council are partnering to evaluate over 2 million AstraZeneca molecules under a five-year deal. The council will fund up to 15 screening projects per year across a range of therapy areas and diseases, with initial projects potentially starting next year. Researchers will work with AstraZeneca scientists and have access to the pharma's high throughput screening facilities. MRC said AstraZeneca also will provide funding, and the pharma will have the first option to license rights to any drug discovery programs. The partners declined to disclose further financial details. ...