Sanofi and Evotec to collaborate on new diabetes drug research

Sanofi is to partner with Evotec on the development of beta cell-modulating treatments for diabetes.

The collaboration will focus on developing a beta cell replacement therapy based on functional human beta cells derived from stem cells. These cells will also be used for high-throughput drug screening to identify beta cell-active small molecules or biologics.

Beta cells play a key role in the pathogenesis of diabetes, and it is thought that the creation of treatments that utilise this approach could reduce or eliminate the need for insulin injections.

Under this agreement, Evotec will be entitled to receive development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments, which could total more than 300 million euros (211.1 million pounds) and royalties on net sales.

Dr Philip Larsen, vice-president and global head of diabetes research and translational science at Sanofi, said: "With the significant burden of diabetes worldwide, it is imperative we continue challenging ourselves to develop treatment breakthroughs for the millions of people living with this progressive and debilitating disease."

This comes after Sanofi launched Toujeo, a new long-acting, once-daily basal insulin treatment for diabetes, in the UK earlier this week.