UCB’s research arm UCB NewMedicines has used a new approach to identify small molecules modulators of a biological pathway, for which parenterally administered biologic therapies have proven highly efficacious in patients.
The deal will see formation of a new dedicated team of scientists under the leadership of Sanofi and UCB, which will join forces in a discovery and development based collaboration to characterize and identify new potential therapies.
As part of the deal, both the firms will share costs and profits on a 50/50 basis and UCB will be entitled to initial upfront, preclinical and clinical development milestone payments from Sanofi, potentially exceeding €100m.
UCB NewMedicines president Ismail Kola said the company combines Sanofi’s expertise, strong capabilities and resources with its research skills and breakthrough innovations.
"Together we can maximize the opportunity to treat diseases currently treated by biologic agents with small molecules and thus benefit millions of people suffering from severe diseases," Kola said.
Sanofi president of Global R&D Elias Zerhouni said immune-mediated diseases affect individuals, families, and communities and impact the economies of countries and nations, making this poorly understood category of diseases a significant public health burden.
"Joining efforts with UCB, we will address a scientific challenge in immunology, and increase the chances of accelerating the discovery and development of future therapies," Zerhouni said.