Ardelyx licenses NaP2b to Sanofi in deal worth up to $198 million

US venture-funded biopharmaceutical company Ardelyx has licensed its novel phosphate transport NaP2b inhibitor program (also known as NaPi2b, Npt2b and SLC34A2) to French drug major Sanofi (Euronext: SAN).

Under the terms of the deal, Ardelyx will receive an undisclosed upfront payment from Sanofi. Total development and regulatory milestones could potentially reach up to $198 million. The US firm would also be entitled to royalties on product sales. In addition, Ardelyx retains an option to participate in co-promotional activities for the US market.

"Sanofi's R&D and commercial capabilities in phosphate management are rivaled by no other company, including their ability to test and understand our NaP2b inhibitor compounds in relation to phosphate binders and other available phosphate management strategies," stated Mike Raab, chief executive of Ardelyx.