Sanofi-aventis signs collaborative research agreement

Sanofi-aventis has announced that it has signed a collaborative agreement with Innogenetics and Inserm Transfert, a subsidiary of Inserm, for research into Alzheimer’s disease.

As a result of the agreement, which holds for a primary period of two years, Sanofi-aventis will have an exclusive license around the world for any developments in the therapeutics field as a result of the research project, with Innogenetics receiving the exclusive worldwide rights to developments in the diagnostic field.

The partnership will investigate the role of the amyloid beta protein and associated technology for their potential therapeutic value in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Frank Morich, chief executive officer of Innogenetics, said: “This agreement is a significant valorisation of our discovery and development capabilities and of our intellectual property in the field of Alzheimer’s disease.”

He added that the combined capabilities of three companies resulted in a “unique” partnership which will focus on an existing medical need in the field.

Last month, Sanofi-aventis announced the appointment of Michel Labie in the position of senior vice president and communications of Sanofi-aventis. He replaced Nicole Cranois in the role and will retain his position of vice president, institutional and professional relations.