French drug maker Sanofi and Orano Med, a subsidiary of the Orano Group, have partnered to develop next-generation radioligand medicines for rare cancers.
Orano Med, a clinical-stage biotechnology company, is engaged in the development of targeted alphatherapies in oncology.
Sanofi and Orano are launching a new entity under the Orano Med brand. This partnership will leverage Orano Med’s expertise and radioligand pipeline.
The focus will be on discovering and developing next-generation radioligand therapies (RLTs) using lead-212 (212Pb) alpha-emitting isotopes.
This agreement follows Sanofi’s exclusive licensing deal in September, with Orano Med and US-based RadioMedix to advance RLTs in rare cancers, particularly the late-stage AlphaMedix project.
Under the agreement, Sanofi will invest €300m, acquiring a 16% equity stake in the new entity valued at €1.9bn.
Sanofi CEO Paul Hudson said: “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.
“As a French biopharmaceutical company, we are deeply committed to fostering and enabling innovation in our home country.
“This collaboration is part of a broader effort to strengthen our ties within the scientific community, both in France and globally, with the goal of advancing the development of cutting-edge treatments for patients.”
Sanofi’s investment is expected to support the biotechnology company and speed up the development of its pipeline. This will also enhance the firm’s capabilities in lead-212-based therapies.
Additionally, the biotechnology company has created a robust global industrial platform. With its raw material stock and patented manufacturing process, the company can ensure a reliable and scalable supply of lead-212 therapies for patients worldwide.
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 agreement is subject to standard regulatory approvals typical for transactions of this nature.
Sanofi and Orano Med are both part of the Paris Saclay cancer cluster, dedicated to advancing the France 2030 plan’s goals for oncology innovation.
