New US cancer startup acquires Leukine from Sanofi

Boston, USA-based cancer company Partner Therapeutics (PTx) has acquired the global rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize Leukine (sargramostim) from French pharma major Sanofi (Euronext: SAN).

Leukine is an immuno-stimulant that promotes the growth and activation of a broad range of white blood cells important in activating the body's immune response to fight infections. Leukine is used to treat or prevent severe and life-threatening infections and is the only immune modulator approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) in older patients and for use in both allogeneic and autologous bone marrow transplantation.

In connection with the acquisition of Leukine, PTx will also acquire a dedicated manufacturing facility in Lynnwood, Washington. The facility is a state of the art biologics manufacturing plant that was certified for commercial production in 2012. The Lynnwood facility will serve as the core manufacturing and supply chain center for PTx' operations.