Evotec AG and Apeiron Biologics AG has recently entered a new strategic collaboration with French drug maker Sanofi to develop new medicine for cancer.
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The Paris-based company said on Monday that the tie-up would strictly focus its attention on developing small molecule-based immune-oncology treatments that could be given to fight both blood cancer and solid tumors. “The collaboration is a great example of an efficient translation from early-stage research to pharma development”.
Apeiron Biologics CEO Dr. Hans Loibner views the recognition of their work by Sanofi, one of the leading biopharmaceutical firms in the world, as encouraging. “We look forward to applying all the different skills and resources bundled in this collaboration for the benefit of this treatment concept and ultimately for the benefit of the patients”.
Sanofi has teamed up with Evotec to develop beta cell-modulating diabetes treatments which could eliminate the need for insulin injections.
The group will support two years of research funding for Evotec and Apeiron and pay Evotec potentially more than 200 million euros ($219 million) if promising molecules are identified.
Sanofi said that the treatments they intend to develop are likely to complement now available checkpoint inhibitors.
Sanofi added that it would have sole responsibility regarding the development and regulatory of the products. “Our shared vision is to change how diabetes is treated in the future by developing novel therapeutic approaches to disease management”. If the project continues, Evotec will be entitled to receive further milestone payments that could total more than EUR200 million, as well as royalties on net sales, Sanofi said. Although still in its early stages, immune-mediated therapies are showing the potential to dramatically improve outcomes for patients with certain types of cancer. Sanofi has core strengths in diabetes solutions, human vaccines, innovative drugs, consumer healthcare, emerging markets, animal health and Genzyme. The forward-looking statements contained herein represent the judgement of Evotec as of the date of this press release. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words “expects”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “intends”, “estimates”, “plans” and similar expressions.
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In addition to the cancer immunotherapy deal with Evotec and Apeiron, Sanofi is also working closely with its long-time partner Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Others, such as Sanofi, are eager to get in the game.
