Sanofi and MannKind to collaborate on Afrezza development

Sanofi has allied with Mannkind on the development and commercialisation of a new rapid-acting inhaled insulin therapy for adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

The terms of the worldwide exclusive licensing agreement will see Sanofi take responsibility for global commercial, regulatory and development activities for the new Afrezza Inhalation Powder.

MannKind, meanwhile, will manufacture Afrezza at its production facility in Connecticut. In addition, both companies will collaborate to expand manufacturing capacity to meet global demand as necessary.

Both partners will share profits and losses on a global basis, with Sanofi retaining 65 percent and MannKind receiving 35 percent, with the latter also receiving an upfront fee, plus milestone-based payments.

Pierre Chancel, senior vice-president of Sanofi's diabetes division, said: "It is uniquely positioned to provide patients with another insulin therapy option to manage their diabetes but does not require multiple daily injections."

This comes after the firm allied with Medtronic to research new treatment strategies for diabetes patients earlier this year.