Sanofi, Evotec and Aperion announce immuno-oncology collaboration

Sanofi has announced a new partnership with Evotec and Aperion Biologics focusing on immuno-oncology research.

The collaboration and license agreement will encompass the discovery and development of first-in-class small molecule-based immuno-oncology therapies to treat solid and haematological cancers by enhancing the antitumour activity of the immune system.

Work will focus on the identification of novel small molecules and their targets to develop next-generation therapies in immuno-oncology, leveraging Evotec's technological expertise and Apeiron Biologics' experience with immunology.

Sanofi will take responsibility for all development, regulatory, commercial and manufacturing activities of the products resulting from the collaboration. It will also have the option to screen its own compound libraries to identify new small molecule candidates for development.

This comes after Sanofi and Evotec announced a new diabetes research partnership last week.

Victoria Richon, vice-president and head of cancer research, discovery and early development at Sanofi, said: "Partnering with Evotec and Apeiron Biologics will significantly advance our shared vision toward realising the full value of these innovative small molecule treatments."