Sanofi-aventis to collaborate on new microRNA research

Sanofi-aventis is entering into a new research collaboration with Regulus Therapeutics, which will see the firms develop new microRNA treatments.

The agreement will see the companies develop up to four targets based on microRNA – a new class of small non-coding RNAs associated with certain disease phenotypes – with the lead compound to focus on the therapeutic area of fibrosis.

Regulus will receive an initial upfront payment of $25 million (16.8 million pounds) for its part in the partnership, with the value of the alliance potentially rising to $750 million.

Dr Marc Cluzel, executive vice-president of research and development at Sanofi-aventis, said the new research demonstrates the firm’s commitment to healthcare innovation.

He added: “We will develop therapeutics which could potentially open a new paradigm in the treatment of major diseases and could offer an attractive new therapeutic approach for patients.”

Earlier this month, Sanofi-aventis agreed a partnership with Ascenta Therapeutics in order to develop a range of new cancer treatments.