Sanofi and Evotec Align Forces

Evotec AG and Sanofi have formed a collaboration in the field of diabetes. The goal of this collaboration will be to develop a beta cell replacement therapy based on functional human beta cells derived from human stem cells. In addition, Sanofi and Evotec will also use human beta cells for high-throughput drug screening to identify beta cell active small molecules or biologics.

The agreement between Evotec and Sanofi triggers an upfront payment of €3 million, potential pre-clinical, clinical, regulatory and commercial milestones which could total over €300 million as well as significant royalties and research payments.

“The use of human stem cells in drug discovery and development is on the rise and will increasingly shift the landscape from symptomatic treatments to disease-modifying therapies also in diabetes,” said Cord Dohrmann, chief scientific officer, Evotec.”

“Combining Sanofi’s and Evotec’s beta cell and stem cell expertise in drug discovery and development will enable optimal exploitation of the potential of stem cell derived human beta cells for therapy and drug screening in diabetes,” said Philip Larsen, vice president, global head of diabetes research and translational science, Sanofi.