In May this year Sanofi had signed a $613m licensing pact with Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited India (GPL) subsidiary Glenmark Pharmaceuticals SA (GPSA) to develop and commercialize a monoclonal antibody GBR 500 for the treatment of Crohn’s disease and other chronic autoimmune disorders.
GBR 500 is an antagonist of the VLA-2 (alpha2-beta1) integrin, a receptor that plays a role in lymphocyte adhesion at inflammation sites and in the downstream release of inflammatory cytokines.
GBR 500 is currently undergoing early-stage human trials as a treatment for Crohn’s disease.
It is also considered to have potential for treatment of other inflammatory conditions, such as multiple sclerosis and ulcerative colitis.
As per the terms of the pact, Sanofi will pay a sum of $50m as an upfront payment to Glenmark.
Sanofi is also responsible to pay a success-based development, regulatory and commercial milestones to Glenmark.
In addition, Glenmark is entitled to receive double-digit royalties on net sales of products commercialized under the license.
Sanofi will have exclusive marketing rights in North America, Europe, Japan, Mexico, Argentina, Chile and Uruguay, and co-marketing rights in Brazil, Russia, Australia and New Zealand.
However, Glenmark will retain exclusive marketing rights in India and the rest of the world.