Mayo Clinic and Baxter International Inc. announced a new research and development collaboration to advance innovation across a spectrum of therapeutic areas where there are high unmet patient needs.

The collaboration agreement will bring together the clinical and development expertise at Baxter and Mayo Clinic, where clinicians and researchers will work together to advance new technologies and therapies that transform patient care. The primary emphasis of the collaboration will be in areas where breakthrough treatment options can be introduced and innovation can drive access to high-quality care.

The first project will focus on kidney disease, with additional projects planned in other areas.

The collaborators are confident that this initiative will help accelerate discoveries, development and application of life-changing therapies for patients.

Baxter's global footprint and the critical nature of its products and services play a key role in expanding access to health care in emerging and developed countries. On the other side, Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to clinical practice, education and research, providing expert, whole-person care to everyone who needs healing.

The combined power of the two organizations will help advance new solutions to the most pressing health care challenges, further delivering on Baxter's mission to save and sustain lives.