Sanofi acquires Ardelyx’s NaP2b inhibitor programme

Sanofi has acquired the licence to Ardelyx's novel phosphate transport NaP2b inhibitor programme. 

The deal will involve Sanofi paying an undisclosed upfront fee, with total development and regulatory milestones that could potentially reach up to $198 million (119 million pounds). 

Ardelyx will still retain royalties on product sales, while the company also has the right to be a part of co-promotional activities for the US market.

"Sanofi's R&D and commercial capabilities in phosphate management are rivaled by no other company, including their ability to test and understand our NaP2b inhibitor compounds in relation to phosphate binders and other available phosphate management strategies," stated Mike Raab, chief executive officer of Ardelyx.

After the agreement is finalised, Sanofi will have full responsibility for any further discoveries made in the programme.

NaP2b is an intestinal phosphate transporter which has been linked with widespread dietary phosphate absorption issues and could be used in the treatment of hyperphosphatemia, end stage renal disease and other forms of chronic kidney disease.