Sanofi and Orano Group subsidiary Orano Med have announced a partnership to enhance the development of next-generation radioligand therapies (RLTs) for rare cancers.
The companies plan to invest in a new entity, operating under the brand Orano Med, which focuses on the discovery, design and development of RLTs based on lead-212 (212Pb) alpha-emitting isotopes.
Sanofi’s €300m ($325m) equity investment will give it a 16% stake in the new entity valued at €1.9bn.
This investment is expected to strengthen Orano Med further and allow the company to expedite its pipeline development, leveraging its lead-212-based therapies discovery and development capabilities.
The strategic partnership follows Sanofi's recent licensing agreement with Orano Med and RadioMedix, focusing on the advanced project AlphaMedix.
Sanofi CEO Paul Hudson stated: “This collaboration is part of a broader effort to strengthen our ties within the scientific community, both in France and globally, to advance the development of cutting-edge treatments for patients.”
As a potent alpha-emitting radioisotope, 212Pb is at the forefront of targeted alpha-emitter therapy, which combines biological vectors and alpha-emitting radioisotopes to target and destroy cancer cells.
Orano Group CEO Nicolas Maes said: “By applying our expertise in nuclear materials to fields like targeted alpha therapies, we are demonstrating that nuclear technology can have a positive societal impact, not just for energy and climate, but also for human health.
“This innovation reflects Orano's commitment to exploring new opportunities and taking bold steps to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.”
The collaboration is contingent on standard regulatory approvals.
Both Sanofi and Orano Med are part of the Paris Saclay cancer cluster and are committed to supporting the France 2030 plan's objectives in oncology innovation.
