Sanofi-aventis to collaborate on diabetes cure research

Sanofi-aventis is to ally with charity group the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) to help support research into new treatments for those affected by type 1 diabetes.

The two organisations will jointly provide funding to academic investigators and medical research organisations, capitalising on the JDRF’s extensive network of partners.

This funding will be used to develop treatments for diabetes sufferers, as well as preventative measures for those at risk of contracting the illness.

Sanofi-aventis will have the option to acquire and commercialise any new products and intellectual properties developed by those who receive funding under the scheme.

Pierre Chancel, senior vice-president for global diabetes at Sanofi-aventis, said: “Our partnership with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is an opportunity to help fund innovative research that will improve therapies and perhaps even find a cure for type 1 diabetes.”

Last week, Sanofi-aventis was granted orphan drug status from the European Commission for rifapentine, a potentially promising new treatment for Mycobacterium tuberculosis.