On eve of acquisition, Sanofi and Ablynx expand licensing deal

Sanofi (Euronext: SAN) and its soon-to-be subsidiary Ablynx (Euronext: ABLX) have expanded a licensing deal to include two additional targets, while formalities to complete the French drugmaker’s 3.9 billion euro ($4.85 billion) acquisition of the Belgian biotech are ongoing.

The deal adds two new multi-specific nanobodies against selected targets in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, building on a research collaboration signed in July 2017.

Under the terms of the agreement, Sanofi gains exclusive global rights to the targets, in return for 13 million euros plus additional research funding.