Sanofi and Regeneron are deepening the partnership that produced the blockbuster drug Dupixent. The companies announced Thursday an expanded collaboration focused on a new series of experimental antibodies for immunological diseases. Under the deal, Sanofi will pay Regeneron $1 billion upfront, with potential milestone payments of up to $7 billion more.
Regeneron will take the lead on research and development, while Sanofi will spearhead commercialization. Profits from any medicines that emerge from the collaboration will be split evenly. Regeneron's chief scientific officer, George Yancopoulos, said in a statement that the combination of Regeneron's discovery expertise and Sanofi's global reach could 'once again deliver the next wave of innovation in immunology.'
The agreement extends a long-running partnership between the two companies, which have shared in the success of Dupixent. The new collaboration centers on a number of experimental antibodies in immunology, signaling both companies are betting on the field as a key growth area.