3M signs non-exclusive license agreement with Sanofi Pasteur

3M Drug Delivery Systems has announced the signing of a non-exclusive license agreement with Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi-Aventis.

Under the terms of the deal, 3M will provide its toll-like receptor agonist compounds to the company for an undisclosed licensing fee, royalties and milestones, for use as vaccine adjuvants.

Dr Mark Tomai, from the vaccine business development of 3M Drug Delivery Systems, states the company’s TLF compounds offer “unique benefits” due to their size and formulation.

“We believe that when used as a vaccine adjuvant, our TLR compounds can add significant value to companies’ vaccines,” he adds.

The two TLR compounds from the company – also called TLR7 and TLR8 agonists – are small organically synthesised molecules which offer flexibility in formulating and route of delivery, the firm states.

According to the company, this compares to most other TLR agonists, which are not as easy to manufacture and are much larger.

Earlier this year, the firm announced it had successfully designed a proof of concept device, utilising a solid microstructured transdermal system for the systemic delivery of high-potency pharmaceuticals, noting “promising” in vivo data including timed release and depth of penetration.