Sanofi and Lead Pharma to develop autoimmune disease therapies

Sanofi has announced a new drug development collaboration with Dutch biotechnology firm Lead Pharma in the field of autoimmune diseases.

The research collaboration and license agreement will focus on the discovery, development and commercialisation of small-molecule therapies directed against nuclear hormone receptors called ROR gamma T to treat a broad range of disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease.

Under the terms of the deal, the companies will collaborate during the early phase of research and development in order to identify drug candidates, with the aim of beginning human trials within three to four years.

Lead Pharma will receive an upfront payment and is eligible to receive research, development, regulatory and commercial milestone fees, plus royalties. Sanofi will be responsible for clinical development and receives marketing and commercialisation rights to any products arising from the work.

Christian Antoni, vice-president and head of the immunology and inflammation franchise at Sanofi's research and development division, said: "Lead Pharma's innovative capabilities and productivity, exemplified by the ROR gamma T programme, make them ideal partners for Sanofi in this area of drug discovery."

Earlier this month, Sanofi announced a partnership between its subsidiary Genzyme and Voyager Therapeutics, focusing on the development of novel gene therapies for severe central nervous system disorders.