Sanofi announces collaboration for immunotherapy platform

Sanofi has announced it will launch into a collaboration with Transgene as part of plans to create a new state-of-the-art industrial platform dedicated to producing immunotherapy products.

The pharmaceutical company confirmed the partnership will see the two organisations work together to manufacture clinical and commercial batches of drug substance of Transgene's immunotherapy products.

Based in Lyon, the project will include a 10 million euro (8.4 million pounds) investment that is equally finances by both Sanofi and Transgene.

Genzyme Polyclonals is already manufacturing polyclonal antibodies for international markets from its Lyon site, giving it the necessary capabilities to support the registration of such products for the European Union and US markets.

Commenting on the collaboration, Olivier Charmeil, president and chief executive officer of Sanofi Pasteur, said the Lyon headquarters will provide a strategic base for the company in the field of immunology.

He added: "Merial, Sanofi Pasteur and Genzyme will share locally their expertise to successfully implement this state-of-the-art platform and build a center of excellence available for Transgene and potentially other customers.”