Sanofi and Genzyme agree co-promotion deal with Veracyte

Sanofi and Genzyme have agreed a new co-promotion agreement with molecular diagnostics company Veracyte for a new treatment option for thyroid patients.

The deal will see Genzyme providing marketing and promotion support for Veracyte's Afirma Thyroid FNA Analysis solution, initially only in the US but later extending to global markets.

Afirma offers an innovative approach for improved thyroid nodule diagnosis that combines cytopathology assessment of thyroid nodule FNA samples with gene expression classification technology.

It can be used to help resolve ambiguous results and prevent patients from receiving unnecessary surgery, with independent studies showcasing the accuracy of the system.

Dr Rogerio Vivaldi, Genzyme's head of rare diseases, said: "This partnership is a strong fit for both companies and underscores Genzyme's commitment to improving the quality of care for patients with suspected or diagnosed thyroid cancer."

Last week, Sanofi and Genzyme were granted European approval to utilise a Massachusetts facility to manufacture their Fabry disease treatment Fabrazyme.