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news.French healthcare firm Sanofi has entered into an agreement with Dutch biotech firm Lead Pharma to discover, develop and commercialize treatments for a range of autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease.
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The research collaboration and license agreement will see new small-molecule therapies directed against the nuclear hormone receptors called ROR gamma (t) to treat these disorders.
As part of the deal, the two parties will collaborate during the early phase of research and development to identify drug candidates and start human trials within three to four years.
Sanofi Immunology & Inflammation Franchise, Research & Development vice-president and head Christian Antoni said: "Anti-ROR gamma (t) therapies represent a ground-breaking opportunity that we are eager and motivated to pursue through our collaboration with Lead Pharma.
"At Sanofi, we believe networked innovations – working collaboratively across science sectors – is the most effective way to bring meaningful new therapies to patients.
"To this end, Lead Pharma’s innovative capabilities and productivity, exemplified by the ROR gamma (t) program, make them ideal partners for Sanofi in this area of drug discovery."
Under the deal, Lead Pharma will receive an up-front payment and is eligible to receive research, development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments.
Sanofi’s responsibilities include clinical development and have worldwide marketing and commercialization rights to any new products, for which Lead Pharma is entitled to receive royalty payments on global sales.
Image: Sanofi and Lead Pharma to develop new autoimmune treatments. Photo: courtesy of Baitong333/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net.