Sanofi has announced an agreement with Regeneron to develop new antibodies targeting the same conditions as Dupixent, a top-selling medication for the French pharmaceutical company. The deal, worth at least $1 billion, aims to secure a successor to Dupixent, which is set to lose its exclusivity in the early 2030s. Regeneron will lead research on the antibodies, while Sanofi will handle global commercialization.
Dupixent, which is prescribed for conditions such as atopic eczema and asthma, generated 45% of Sanofi's revenue in the second quarter of this year, with sales exceeding $5 billion. The medication was originally developed by Regeneron, which shares profits with Sanofi. The new agreement also resolves a legal dispute between the two companies, which had been ongoing since 2024.
Under the terms of the deal, Regeneron could receive up to $7 billion in additional payments if the four antibodies meet certain development, authorization, and sales milestones. Sanofi's new CEO, Belén Garijo, described the agreement as a "deliberate first step" to revitalize the company's innovation engine. The deal marks a significant move to secure Dupixent's future.
The development of Dupixent's successor is still in its early stages, with only one of the four antibodies having begun human testing. The other three are not expected to enter clinical trials until 2027. Sanofi has faced setbacks with its own pipeline candidates, including amlitelimab, for which it abandoned plans to seek authorization for atopic eczema treatment.
Regeneron will lead research on the new antibodies, leveraging its expertise in developing Dupixent. The agreement highlights the importance of partnerships in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the development of complex treatments for chronic conditions. Sanofi and Regeneron have a long-standing collaboration, dating back to 2003.
The deal is seen as a strategic move by Sanofi to mitigate the impact of Dupixent's impending loss of exclusivity. With several years of patent protection remaining, Sanofi aims to ensure a smooth transition to new treatments. The company's pipeline has faced challenges, making partnerships like this one crucial for growth.
Sanofi's agreement with Regeneron underscores the company's commitment to innovation and growth. With a focus on developing new treatments for major diseases, Sanofi aims to maintain its position in the global pharmaceutical market. The partnership with Regeneron is expected to yield new treatments for patients with chronic conditions.
Key points
- Sanofi will pay Regeneron at least $1 billion to develop antibodies targeting the same conditions as Dupixent.
- The deal could be worth up to $8 billion if all milestones are met.
- The partnership aims to secure a successor to Dupixent, which is set to lose its exclusivity in the early 2030s.
