Sanofi signs deal on pre-clinical cancer drugs

Sanofi-Aventis has signed a deal with US biotech company Ascenta to co-develop new oncology treatments aimed at restoring ‘apoptosis’ or programmed cell death.

Sanofi receives an exclusive worldwide license to develop, manufacture and commercialise all compounds issued from this programme. Two compounds, MI-773 and MI-519-64, are currently expected to enter pre-clinical development in 2010. 

These compounds inhibit the p53-HDM2 (Human Double Minute 2) protein-protein interaction, leading potentially to reactivation of p53 tumour suppressor

functions and therefore enhancing current cancer treatments.  

Ascenta has in-licensed those compounds from the University of Michigan.  Both Sanofi and Ascenta will provide funding for the ongoing research of p53-HDM2 inhibitors at the University of Michigan, and Ascenta may participate in research activities and potential future clinical development.

“This new partnership continues to illustrate Sanofi-Aventis’ commitment to develop innovative targeted therapies in Oncology”, declared Debasish Roychowdhury, M.D., Sanofi’s head of oncology research.

“The inhibition of protein-protein interaction is always a challenge in discovery, and the finding of potent and selective compounds could offer an attractive new

therapeutic approach for cancer patients.  This approach is perfectly in line with the company’s strategy to find new drugs focused on patient specific needs”.

Ascenta will receive an upfront payment, as well as development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments. All such payments could reach a total of $398 million. In addition, Ascenta is eligible to receive tiered royalties on worldwide product sales.