Sanofi-aventis to assist in production of new Pharming drug

Sanofi-aventis subdivision Sanofi Chimie has confirmed it will assist healthcare company Pharming in the manufacturing of a new treatment for angioedema attacks.

The two companies have signed a toll manufacturing agreement which will increase production capacity of the drug substance of Pharming’s Ruconest, which is set for launch in the UK this year.

It comes in addition to Pharming’s existing manufacturing arrangement with Merck Sharpe and Dohme and is intended to support the treatment’s roll-out across a number of European nations.

Francis Carre, chief executive officer of Sanofi Chimie, expressed satisfaction at being able to participate in the launch of Europe’s first recombinant biopharmaceutical product for this specification.

He said: “We are proud to be able to support the commercialisation of this innovative and highly effective product on a worldwide basis.”

Earlier this month, Sanofi-aventis agreed a deal with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, which will provide academics and research professionals with funding for studies into potential type 1 diabetes treatments.