Sanofi could spend up to 2.8 billion euros to expand its early-stage immunology pipeline

20 July 2017

French pharma major Sanofi (Euronext: SAN) has entered into a research collaboration and global exclusive licensing agreement, initially focused on developing and commercializing Nanobody-based therapeutics for the treatment of various immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, with Belgium biotech firm Ablynx (Euronext Brussels: ABLX).

News of the deal pushed Ablynx’ shares more than 5% by mid-morning trading to 12.27 euros, having hit 12.47 euros at around 9.30.

This collaboration gives Sanofi access to certain Nanobodies in Ablynx' existing portfolio as well as to Ablynx' scientists and proprietary Nanobody platform. Under the terms of the agreement, Sanofi gains exclusive global rights to certain multi-specific Nanobodies against selected targets, with options for similar rights to additional targets, for a total of eight potential Nanobody product candidates.

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