Sanofi-aventis and Ascenta to collaborate on cancer research

Sanofi-aventis has entered into a new partnership with Ascenta Therapeutics in order to develop potentially promising new cancer treatments.

The agreement pertains to compounds developed by Ascenta which function by inhibiting the p53-HDM2 protein-protein interaction, which could help to restore tumour cell apoptosis.

Under the terms of the deal, Sanofi-aventis will help to finance further research into the compounds and will gain exclusive global rights to develop and commercialise all products created from the programme.

It is hoped that two of the compounds, currently named MI-773 and MI-519-64, will be able to enter the preclinical development stage later this year.

Dr Debasish Roychowdhury, senior vice-president of global oncology at Sanofi-aventis, said: “This new partnership continues to illustrate Sanofi-aventis’ commitment to develop innovative targeted therapies in oncology.”

Last week, Sanofi-aventis agreed a deal with the Charite-Universitatsmedizin Berlin which will see the two organisations share research data and expertise on new treatment options.