Sanofi signs new genetics deal with Isarna
pharmafile | January 14, 2014 | News story | Manufacturing and Production, Research and Development, Sales and Marketing | DNA, RNA, Sanofi, aso, isarna
Sanofi has agreed to produce genetic compounds developed by German biotech Isarna Therepeutics to accelerate their progress to the clinical trial stage.
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are strands of DNA or RNA that can be used to modify gene expression – and which may have applications in a wide range of therapeutic research.
The French pharma firm’s Industrial Affairs department will function as a contract manufacturing organisation for Isarna, and ASOs will be produced at its Frankfurt manufacturing site.
It remains unclear what Sanofi will receive in return for these services. Financial details of the agreement have not been released by either company.
Isarna chief executive Philippe Calais said: “Having Sanofi as our partner for the production of these exciting new immunotherapy compounds is a firm step forward in the development of the company and is consistent with our strategy to establish key relationships with leaders in the industry.”
Isarna specialises in the development of TGF-beta inhibitors, which suppress the activity of a protein involved in the proliferation of cancer cells. Last week, it signed a deal with Danish biotech Santaris Pharma to advance its interests in that research area.
Sanofi has been attempting to develop a strong oncology portfolio in recent years, but has encountered a number of notable setbacks. Last year alone, it ditched two late-stage compounds – iniparib for non-small cell lung cancer and fedratinib for bone marrow cancer – due to inefficacy and safety concerns, respectively.
The firm also released disappointing results in November for investigational breast cancer treatment MM-121 – a collaborative development with US biopharma company Merrimack – wrapping up a disappointing 2013.
Sanofi’s new partnership with Isarna complements another recently announced agreement with US-based Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. Alnylam specialises in RNA interference technology and the deal – worth a reported $700m – is seen as an expansion of Sanofi’s interests in rare genetic diseases.
Hugh McCafferty
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