In his opening speech, Dr. Béla Merkely emphasized that the MSD pharmaceutical company and Semmelweis University are both committed to improving the quality of life and life expectancy of the patients entrusted to them.
As the rector pointed out, the current strategic agreement covered a wide range of areas, including screening, diagnostics, innovation, and education. In the future, the partners will jointly explore the research potential of diagnostic tests used in personalized medicine, analyze databases of medical measurements, and compare therapies in oncology and other fields. The agreement also includes the analysis and improvement of patient pathways and the development of circulating tumor cell testing through liquid biopsies, backed by biobanking facilities. The cooperation covers, among other things, the development of an artificial intelligence program and training in data science. Access to digital health solutions and an increase in the number of clinical trials sponsored by MSD, among other things, will improve patient outcomes and increase publication performance. Based on an earlier memorandum of understanding signed in May 2024, MSD will launch joint research and training programs with Semmelweis University. The partners will also publish papers and design innovative creations in the preliminary planning phase of the Science Park.
MSD, a 130-year-old research-driven pharmaceutical company with a leading position both globally and in Hungary, has been present in the country for three decades, and is developing medicines and vaccines for the world’s leading medical conditions, such as cancer and various infectious diseases.
Managing Director Sean R. Smith emphasized that, with the new strategic agreement, the two institutions would further develop their existing cooperation. “Our shared goal is to provide innovative medicines that ultimately support and impact the lives of patients in Hungary and create a more sustainable health system,” he said. The agreement paves the way for further cooperation in areas such as clinical trials, epidemiological research, development of innovative therapies, and education. “Our long-term and fruitful relationship creates this dynamic environment and allows us to support further scientific knowledge and create new patient-centric projects,” the managing director pointed out. Out of the ongoing projects, he highlighted the further development of the national chronic disease database. “Our research collaboration will allow us to combine our resources and expertise to address the pressing healthcare challenges and contribute to the well-being of society,” Sean R. Smith added. He reminded the audience that medical students held the future of medicine, and that the strategic agreement also aimed to give them access to first-hand experience with innovation, therapies, and global best practices.
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Dr. Miklós Szathmári, Director of Health Management and Development at Semmelweis University, and Dr. Szabolcs Barótfi, Senior Clinical Research Director at MSD, presented the joint clinical research activities of the two institutions. Dr. Miklós Szathmári pointed out that clinical trials were a priority for the university, as they provided patients with the most advanced therapies, which could save lives and improve the quality of life, since strict professional protocols enhanced the quality and reliability of care. The joint publications resulting from the studies enhance the university’s scientific output, and the teamwork necessary to conduct the trials also strengthens the workplace community.
He emphasized that MSD was one of the university’s key partners, with about 30 ongoing trials. In addition to laboratory services, the collaboration is mainly focused on oncology (small-cell lung cancer), cardiovascular diseases, and high cholesterol research.
Dr. Szabolcs Barótfi highlighted that they had collaborated with the university in a total of 52 clinical research projects for the past 10 years, which, in addition to the previously mentioned areas, primarily focused on infectious diseases, pulmonology, and immunology. He identified it as an advantage that the cooperation included both late and early-phase trials. As he stressed, MSD was also committed to ensuring that innovative technologies introduced in clinical trials were first implemented at the university.
Finally, Dr. Zoltán Kiss, Head of Data Research at MSD, gave a summary of data-driven healthcare development. He stressed that the cooperation so far had led to epidemiological methodology developments of regional significance. In parallel with these trials, a number of chronic disease databases have been set up that can be used for secondary research, such as onco-diabetology and research into the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines. Recent research findings have offered a comprehensive picture of the epidemiology of cancer in Hungary, Dr. Zoltán Kiss pointed out in his talk, illustrating the tangible results of the collaboration.
Following the presentations, Dr. Béla Merkely and Sean R. Smith signed the strategic cooperation agreement between Semmelweis University and MSD Hungary.
The ceremony concluded with a performance of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Duo for violin and viola in G major by Bendegúz Pásztor and Gellért Csuja, members of the Medic Orchestra.
Judit Szabados-Dőtsch
Photos by Bálint Barta – Semmelweis University
