Full Press Release Details
Sanofi and Orano join forces to develop next-generation radioligand medicines
Paris, October 17, 2024. Sanofi and Orano Med, a subsidiary of the Orano Group and a pioneer in the
development of targeted alphatherapies in oncology, have entered into an agreement to combine their expertise in the fight against rare cancers and further accelerate the development of next-generation radioligand medicines.
Building on the expertise and radioligand pipeline of Orano Med, Sanofi and Orano will invest in a new entity, operating under the Orano Med brand, and
focusing on the discovery, design, and clinical development of next-generation radioligand therapies (RLTs) based on lead-212 (212Pb) alpha-emitting
isotopes. This agreement follows Sanofi s announcement of an exclusive licensing agreement with Orano Med and RadioMedix to advance radioligand therapies (RLTs) in rare cancers with a focus on one late-stage project, AlphaMedix .
Targeted alpha therapy relies on a simple concept: combining the ability of biological
vectors to target cancer cells with the short-range and highly energetic cell-killing capabilities of alpha-emitting radioisotopes. The vector directs the radioisotope to the target cancer cells expressing the specific marker, even when they have
spread throughout the body. This unique mechanism of action aims to damage or destroy target cancer cells, while limiting impact on nearby healthy cells. This novel precision medicine approach aims at changing the standard of care in some rare
cancers to extend patients lives and improve their quality of life.
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.
The success of Orano Med is an example of our group s ability to diversify beyond our core
nuclear business. 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.
Sanofi s investment will further strengthen Orano Med and allow the company to accelerate the development of its pipeline, leveraging its unique
capabilities in the discovery and development of lead-212 based therapies. Orano Med has also developed a highly differentiating global industrial platform, which, thanks to its vast stock of raw materials and
patented manufacturing process, will ensure an independent, reliable, and scalable supply of lead-212 based therapies to patients worldwide.
Executive Vice President, Head of Research and Development, Sanofi
We are thrilled to invest in the promising field of radioligand therapies, a modality that holds
potential for patients suffering from rare cancers. We see opportunity in the innovative lead-212 based technologies being developed by Orano Med, which align with our commitment to advancing transformative
therapies for unmet medical needs.
President of the Governing Board, Orano Med
Sanofi s partnership with Orano Med is a strong recognition of the potential of lead-212 based radioligand therapies to advance the treatment of cancers. This validates our strategy, having developed this expertise over the past 15 years, and reinforces our position as a leader in targeted
alpha therapies. We look forward to combining Sanofi s expertise with our R&D and world-class radiopharmaceutical capabilities to advance the development of potentially transformative therapies like AlphaMedix and make them available to
patients in need as quickly as possible.
In striving to become a leading immunoscience company globally, Sanofi remains committed to
advancing oncology innovation. The pipeline is being reshaped and prioritized, leveraging expertise in immunoscience to drive progress. Efforts are centered on
difficult-to-treat cancers such as select hematologic malignancies and solid tumors with critical unmet needs, including rare cancers such as multiple myeloma, acute
myeloid leukemia, and certain types of lymphomas, as well as gastrointestinal and lung cancers.
Sanofi and Orano Med are members of the Paris
Saclay Cancer Cluster and look forward to contributing to the ambitious agenda of the France 2030 plan to accelerate innovation in oncology.
agreement is subject to standard regulatory approvals required for transactions of this nature.
Financial considerations
Under the terms of the agreement, Sanofi will make an equity investment of
300 million, approximately 16% equity stake in the new entity valued at 1.9bn.
are an innovative global healthcare company, driven by one purpose: we chase the miracles of science to improve people s lives. Our team, across the world, is dedicated to transforming the practice of medicine by working to turn the impossible
into the possible. We provide potentially life-changing treatment options and life-saving vaccine protection to millions of people globally, while putting sustainability and social responsibility at the center of our ambitions. Sanofi is listed on
EURONEXT: SAN and NASDAQ: SNY
Orano Med, a subsidiary of the Orano Group, is a clinical-stage biotechnology company that develops a new generation of targeted therapies against cancer
using the unique properties of lead-212 (212Pb), an alpha-emitting radioisotope and one of the more potent therapeutic payloads against cancer cells known
as Targeted Alpha-Emitter Therapy (TAT). The company is developing several treatments using 212Pb combined with various targeting agents. Orano Med has 212Pb manufacturing facilities, laboratories, and R&D centers in France and in the US and is currently investing to further expand its GMP-manufacturing
capacities for 212Pb radiolabeled pharmaceuticals in North America and Europe.
international operator in the field of nuclear materials, Orano Group delivers solutions to address present and future global energy and health challenges. Its expertise and mastery of cutting-edge technologies enable Orano to offer its customers
high value-added products and services throughout the entire fuel cycle. Every day, the Orano group s 17,500 employees draw on their skills, unwavering dedication to safety and constant quest for innovation, with the commitment to develop know-how in the transformation and control of nuclear materials, for the climate and for a healthy and resource-efficient world, now and tomorrow.
Sophie Letournel | +33 6 38 44 34
Press Office | +33 (0)1 34 96 12 15| press@orano.group
Orano Investor relations
Sanofi Media Relations
Sandrine Guendoul | + 33 6 25 09 14 25 | sandrine.guendoul@sanofi.com
Evan Berland | +1 215 432 0234 | evan.berland@sanofi.com
Obrist | + 33 6 77 21 27 55 | nicolas.obrist@sanofi.com
Victor Rouault | + 33 6 70 93 71 40 |
Timothy Gilbert | + 1 516 521 2929 | timothy.gilbert@sanofi.com
Sanofi Investor Relations
Kudsk Larsen |+ 44 7545 513 693 | thomas.larsen@sanofi.com
Aliz Kaisserian | + 33 6 47 04 12 11 |
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