Sanofi-aventis and Glenmark to develop pain relief treatments

Sanofi-aventis is entering into collaboration with Glenmark Pharmaceuticals in order to develop a new range of treatments for sufferers of chronic pain.

The companies are to work together on research into vanilloid receptor antagonist molecules developed by Glenmark, with Sanofi-aventis paying up to $325 million (214.7 million pounds) in exchange for exclusive commercialisation rights.

It is hoped that compounds such as Glenmark’s GRC 15300 can be marketed as potential next-generation treatment options for conditions such as diabetic neuropathic pain and osteoarthritic pain.

Dr Glenn Saldanha, chief executive officer of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited India, said the deal will allow the company to build on the “excellent progress” it has already made with its research.

Sanofi-aventis executive vice-president of research and development Dr Marc Cluzel added: “GRC 15300 brings an innovative approach to Sanofi-aventis’ pain portfolio, which we believe may have promise to address a significant gap in treating chronic pain.”

This week also saw Sanofi-aventis announce that its senior vice-president Laurence Debroux is to leave the company in July 2010 in order to seek new challenges.