Ipsen inks research collaboration with UK firm

French drugmaker Ipsen (Euronext: IPN) has entered into a strategic agreement to develop and commercialize innovative therapies with UK-based life sciences firm Arix Bioscience (LSE: ARIX).

Under the terms of the deal, Arix will provide Ipsen with access to its unique network of professional and scientific advisors, and the chance to invest in opportunities in Arix’ new and existing businesses. In return, Ipsen will contribute research, development and commercial expertise to the partnership. Arix and Ipsen will collaborate to identify opportunities and jointly create new companies focused primarily on the development and commercialization of innovative therapies for patients.

This is the fourth significant collaboration for Arix, which earlier this month reach agreement with Fosun International (00656:HK) to invest in and create new companies focused on the development of innovative clinical therapies across a broad range of therapeutic areas, with a particular emphasis on the Chinese market. This followed the success of its existing agreements with Takeda Ventures and UCB.