FRANCE – Sanofi and Orano Med, a subsidiary of the Orano Group, have entered into a joint venture aimed at developing cutting-edge radioligand therapies (RLTs) for rare cancers.
This partnership will see both companies invest in a new entity valued at €1.9 billion (US $2.1 billion), focusing on the creation and testing of next-generation lead-212 radioligand therapies.
Sanofi is making a significant €300 million (US $325.8 million) equity investment in the joint venture, which will allow Orano Med to accelerate the development of its pipeline.
Leveraging Orano Med’s expertise in lead-212-based therapies, the new entity aims to expedite research and clinical trials.
The collaboration builds on Orano Med’s existing capabilities in radiopharmaceutical discovery, positioning the company as a leader in this field.
This investment follows a recent €320 million (US $347.5 million) exclusive licensing agreement between Sanofi, Orano Med, and RadioMedix.
That agreement focused on advancing AlphaMedix, a targeted alpha therapy for patients with unresectable or metastatic neuroendocrine tumors.
Radiopharmaceuticals and Lead-212’s role in cancer therapy
Radiopharmaceuticals use radioisotopes that are specifically designed to target cancer cells. These radioisotopes deliver localized radiation to tumors, minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
Lead-212 is a promising isotope for these therapies due to its effectiveness in targeting difficult-to-treat cancers. The joint venture aims to capitalize on lead-212’s potential to revolutionize cancer treatment.
“Sanofi’s partnership with Orano Med is a strong recognition of the potential of lead-212 based radioligand therapies,” said Julien Dodet, President of the Governing Board of Orano Med. “We are eager to advance these potentially transformative therapies.”
Sanofi expands its footprint in radiopharmaceuticals
While other pharmaceutical giants such as Novartis, Bayer, and AstraZeneca have made strides in the radiopharmaceutical field, Sanofi has now solidified its position by partnering with Orano Med.
This move marks a significant milestone in Sanofi’s strategy to enter the radioligand space and contribute to innovative cancer therapies.
Sanofi CEO Paul Hudson expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting, “We are excited to partner with Orano in establishing a French pioneer that unites our respective expertise in biopharma and nuclear technology to drive groundbreaking progress in the fight against cancer.”
Supporting France’s vision for medical innovation
The collaboration between Sanofi and Orano Med is also aligned with the French government’s broader France 2030 initiative, which emphasizes innovation in healthcare and pharmaceuticals.
In addition to product development, Orano Med will be responsible for manufacturing the radioligand therapies, while Sanofi will oversee global commercialization efforts.
The deal includes an upfront payment of €100 million (US $ 108.6 million) to Orano Med and RadioMedix, with potential for €220 million (US $238.9 million) in sales milestones and tiered royalties based on future success.
The partnership between Sanofi and Orano Med is subject to regulatory approvals, with both companies looking forward to playing a pivotal role in the future of cancer care.
The collaboration represents a significant step forward in developing innovative treatments that could provide new hope for patients battling rare and aggressive cancers.
