Evotec links up with Sanofi on stem cells for diabetes therapies

In a second deal between the companies this year, German biotech firm Evotec (EVT: EXTRA) has entered into a strategic collaboration with French pharma major Sanofi (Euronext: SAN) in the field of diabetes.

The goal of this collaboration will be to develop a beta cell replacement therapy based on functional human beta cells derived from human stem cells. In addition, Sanofi and Evotec will also use human beta cells for high-throughput drug screening to identify beta cell active small molecules or biologics.

Both companies will make significant contributions to this collaboration in terms of expertise, platforms and resources. The collaboration will further enhance and complement Sanofi’s extensive diabetes portfolio and will extend Evotec’s metabolic disease and stem cell-based drug discovery programs.