Sanofi and Transgene launch construction phase of joint bioproduction platform

French drug major Sanofi (Euronext: SAN) and French biotech firm Transgene (Euronext Paris: TNG) have launched the construction phase of the manufacturing platform dedicated to the production of viral vectors, such as Transgene's MUC1 targeted cancer immunotherapy, TG4010.

In March 2013, the companies announced a long-term collaboration agreement to build the unit, which is to be constructed on the Genzyme Polyclonals site in Lyon, an important French biopharmaceutical cluster. The companies together will invest approximately 10 million euros ($13.6 million) in the production unit over an expected two-year timeframe, of which Transgene's share will be approximately 5 million euros.

Philippe Luscan, executive vice president Industrial affairs at Sanofi, said: “We are very pleased to partner with Transgene, an innovative French Biopharmaceutical company developing new drugs which might be a breakthrough in the treatment of life threatening diseases. This state-of-the-art industrial platform will be dedicated to production of viral vectors through a broad range of technologies including mammalian cell culture up to 1m3 using single use bioreactors, combining the excellence of Genzyme, Sanofi-pasteur, and Transgene in Lyon area. Sanofi will bring to Transgene its know-how in bioproduction and experience to launch biologics. It reflects the core elements required in improving global health, innovation & partnership.”