Sanofi, CureDM in Diabetes Pact

Sanofi-Aventis and CureDM Group Holdings have entered a global license agreement on a novel human peptide, Pancreate, which could restore a patients’ ability to produce insulin and other pancreatic hormones in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Pancreate is a bioactive peptide sequence of a naturally occurring human protein that has been shown in preclinical studies to stimulate the growth of new insulin producing islets in the pancreas, resulting in restoration of normal metabolic function and glucose control in the blood. Phase I studies are planned for later this year.

Sanofi-Aventis has an exclusive worldwide license to develop, manufacture and commercialize Pancreate and related compounds. CureDM will receive an upfront payment, as well as development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments. Payments could reach a total of $335 million, before royalties.

“Sanofi-Aventis is pleased to add to its Diabetes Division pipeline this highly innovative technology that has the potential to stimulate the formation of fully functional new pancreatic islets, thereby helping to restore patients’ pancreatic function,” explained Dr. Marc Cluzel, Executive Vice-President R&D, sanofi-aventis. “Once fully developed, Pancreate has the potential to become the first regenerative treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes and to address the challenges that the growing diabetes epidemic poses on patients and healthcare systems.”