Sanofi and Medtronic form new diabetes alliance

Sanofi has announced a global strategic alliance in diabetes with Medtronic, the world's leading medical technology firm.

The partnership will focus on a number of key priorities, including the development of drug-device combinations and delivery of care management services to improve adherence, the simplification of insulin treatment and helping people with diabetes better manage their condition.

To be structured as an open-innovation model, the alliance will leverage the capabilities and the human and financial resources of both companies. The companies may also explore other areas for potential collaboration, based on the success of the initial work.

Sanofi boasts an extensive insulin portfolio and drug development expertise, while Medtronic is known for its expertise in insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring.

Pascale Witz, executive vice-president of global divisions and strategic development at Sanofi, said: "Through this important collaboration, Sanofi will tap into technology advances that aim to create holistic treatment solutions which take into account the individual patient's needs."

This comes shortly after the company announced positive findings from a pooled analysis of phase III clinical trial data for Toujeo, its new type 2 diabetes drug.