The agreement lays emphasis on identification of compounds known as ‘correctors’ which are believed to aid in the ability of the malfunctioning CFTR protein found in CF patients to operate correctly.
In the Delta F508 mutation, the CFTR protein does not move to its proper place at the cell surface, impeding the flow of fluids into the airways.
Under the program, researchers will evaluate different compound libraries for correctors for Delta F508, and will make use of the libraries of both Genzyme and Sanofi.
The research will take place throughout several Genzyme and Sanofi R&D facilities globally.
CF Foundation president and CEO Robert J Beall said Genzyme would help CF Foundation find drugs to treat the most common mutation in CF and have a huge impact on those with this disease.