Sanofi and Orano Partner to Develop Next-Generation Radioligand Therapies
Paris, October 17, 2024 – Sanofi and Orano Med, a subsidiary of the Orano Group and a leader in targeted alpha therapies for oncology, have announced a partnership to combine their expertise in developing next-generation radioligand medicines aimed at treating rare cancers.
Leveraging Orano Med’s radioligand pipeline, the collaboration will invest in a new entity under the Orano Med brand, focusing on the discovery, design, and clinical development of radioligand therapies (RLTs) utilizing lead-212 (212Pb) alpha-emitting isotopes. This agreement builds on Sanofi’s previous exclusive licensing deal with Orano Med and RadioMedix to further RLTs, particularly the late-stage project AlphaMedix™.
Targeted alpha therapy combines biological vectors that specifically target cancer cells with the potent, localized cell-killing abilities of alpha-emitting radioisotopes. This method directs the radioisotope to cancer cells, potentially damaging or destroying them while minimizing harm to surrounding healthy cells. The goal is to establish a new standard of care for certain rare cancers, ultimately improving patient survival and quality of life.
Paul Hudson, CEO of Sanofi, stated, “We are excited to partner with Orano to establish a pioneering French entity that merges our biopharma expertise with nuclear technology, fostering innovation in the fight against cancer. This collaboration strengthens our commitment to advancing cutting-edge treatments for patients, both in France and globally.”
Nicolas Maes, CEO of the Orano Group, added, “The success of Orano Med showcases our group’s ability to diversify our nuclear business. By applying our expertise to targeted alpha therapies, we demonstrate that nuclear technology can positively impact society, particularly in health care.”
Sanofi’s investment aims to enhance Orano Med’s capabilities and expedite its therapy development pipeline. Orano Med has established a robust global industrial platform, ensuring a reliable supply of lead-212 therapies through patented manufacturing processes and a significant stock of raw materials.
Houman Ashrafian, Executive Vice President at Sanofi, expressed, “We are thrilled to invest in the promising field of radioligand therapies, particularly the innovative lead-212 technologies developed by Orano Med, aligning with our commitment to address unmet medical needs in oncology.”
Julien Dodet, President of Orano Med’s Governing Board, noted, “Sanofi’s partnership validates the potential of lead-212 based radioligand therapies to revolutionize cancer treatment. This collaboration allows us to combine our expertise with Sanofi’s to expedite the development of transformative therapies like AlphaMedix.”
As Sanofi seeks to position itself as a leader in immunoscience, it continues to prioritize oncology innovation. The company is focusing on difficult-to-treat cancers, including hematologic malignancies and rare cancers like multiple myeloma and acute myeloid leukemia.
Sanofi and Orano Med are members of the Paris Saclay Cancer Cluster and are committed to supporting France’s 2030 plan to accelerate oncology innovation.
The agreement is pending standard regulatory approvals, with Sanofi planning to invest €300 million for a 16% equity stake in the newly formed entity, which is valued at €1.9 billion.
About Sanofi
Sanofi is a global healthcare company dedicated to transforming the practice of medicine through innovative solutions. With a strong focus on sustainability and social responsibility, Sanofi aims to provide life-changing treatments and vaccine protections to millions worldwide. The company is listed on EURONEXT: SAN and NASDAQ: SNY.
About Orano Med
Orano Med is a biotechnology company specializing in targeted therapies against cancer using lead-212, a potent alpha-emitting radioisotope. With facilities and R&D centers in France and the US, Orano Med is expanding its capacity to produce GMP-manufactured 212Pb pharmaceuticals. The Orano Group, employing 17,500 individuals, is a recognized leader in nuclear materials, addressing global challenges in energy and health through innovative solutions.
