Sanofi and Genzyme ally with Voyager Therapeutics on gene therapy research

Sanofi and Genzyme have announced a new collaboration with Voyager Therapeutics, a gene therapy company developing treatments for central nervous system (CNS) diseases.

The strategic collaboration will focus on the discovery, development and commercialisation of novel gene therapies for severe CNS disorders, wth Genzyme to provide Voyager with up to $845 million (553.94 million pounds) in funding support.

By working together, the partners will be able to capitalise upon Genzyme's scientific leadership in the field of adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy, plus Voyager's industry-leading AAV product engine to develop breakthrough therapies for severe CNS disorders.

The work will encompass multiple gene therapy programmes for conditions such as Parkinson's disease, Friedreich's ataxia and Huntington's disease.

David Meeker, president and chief executive officer of Genzyme, said: "Joining together with a great partner in Voyager allows us to strengthen and accelerate our efforts to address a set of very challenging neurological diseases."

The success of the Genzyme business was a key driver of growth for Sanofi last year, helping it to achieve a year-on-year sales growth rate of just under five percent.