Sanofi and ImmuNext, Inc., announced today an agreement focused on the development of a novel antibody with the potential to treat a range of autoimmune diseases including Lupus and Multiple Sclerosis. Under the terms of the agreement, ImmuNext will grant Sanofi an exclusive, worldwide license to develop and commercialize INX-021, a CD40L monoclonal antibody in preclinical development that suppresses the activity of a cellular pathway that is overactive in many autoimmune diseases. In addition, Sanofi and ImmuNext will initiate a research collaboration to support clinical trials.
Potential milestone payments to ImmuNext under the agreement could total $500 million. ImmuNext is also eligible to receive tiered royalties up to double digits on sales of products.
"The immunoregulatory molecule, CD40L, is critical to the progression of a wide spectrum of autoimmune diseases," said Randolph Noelle, Ph.D., co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of ImmuNext and Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College. "Antibodies that block the function of CD40L have proven in pre-clinical models of autoimmunity to be amongst the most effective agents in treating disease. The development of anti-CD40L for the treatment of autoimmune diseases offers a unique opportunity to silence disease progression and offer long-term remission."
"Sanofi is committed to expanding our pipeline of specialty care products in multiple sclerosis, where we have established a strong foundation, and immunology, where we are poised to launch new treatments this year for atopic dermatitis and rheumatoid arthritis," said Frank Nestle, Global Head of Immunology & Inflammation Research Therapeutic Area and also North America Chief Scientific Officer. "We are excited to collaborate with Dr. Noelle and the team at ImmuNext on this promising endeavor."
About Sanofi
Sanofi, a global healthcare leader, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients' needs. Sanofi is organized into five global business units: Diabetes and Cardiovascular, General Medicines and Emerging Markets, Sanofi Genzyme, Sanofi Pasteur and Consumer Healthcare. Sanofi is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY).
About ImmuNext, Inc.
ImmuNext develops compounds on the cutting edge of immunotherapy for cancer and autoimmune diseases. Our lead product, anti-VISTA, is partnered with Janssen for the treatment of cancer. Our second product, VISTA agonists, is partnered with Hoffmann-La Roche for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Other programs include a CD40 agonist for neoantigen cancer vaccines and a novel immuno-metabolic target, in each case establishing new classes of compounds.
