Sanofi allies with Glenmark on Crohn’s disease treatment

Sanofi has allied with Glenmark Pharmaceuticals on the development of a promising new therapy option for Crohn's disease.

The agreement sees Sanofi paying its new partner $50 million (30.9 million pounds) upfront in exchange for marketing rights in certain territories to GBR500, a novel monoclonal antibody for the treatment of Crohn's and other autoimmune disorders.

GBR500 has completed a phase I dosing profile in the US and has demonstrated positive signs of potential thus far, with further payments between Sanofi and Glenmark contingent on its ongoing performance.

Dr Elias Zerhouni, president for global research and development at Sanofi, said: "GBR500 brings an innovative approach to Sanofi's immuno-inflammation portfolio, which we believe may address a significant gap in treating inflammatory diseases, which would be of huge benefit to patients."

Last week, the company announced that it is also entering into collaboration with the not-for-profit organisation Medicines for Malaria Venture on the development of new therapy options for the tropical illness.