Sanofi, ImmuNext enter specialty drug development agreement

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. and LEBANON, N.H. — Sanofi and ImmNext on Monday announced a new agreement surrounding the development of a novel antibody that could treat such autoimmune diseases as lupus and multiple sclerosis. 

 

Under the agreement, ImmuNext will grant Sanofi and exclusive worldwide license to develop and commercialize INX-021, a monoclonal antibody in preclinical development that suppresses the activity of a cellular pathway that’s overactive in many autoimmune diseases. The two companies will initiate a research collaboration to support clinical trials. Potential milestone payments to ImmuNext under the agreement could total as much as $500 million, and ImmuNext is also eligible to receive up to double-digit tiered royalties on product sales. 

 

“Sanofi is committed to expanding our pipeline of specialty care products in multiple sclerosis, where we have established a strong foundation, and immunology, where we are poised to launch new treatments this year for atopic dermatitis and rheumatoid arthritis,” said Frank Nestle, Sanofi’s global head of immunology and inflammation research therapeutic area and North American chief scientific officer.