Sanofi Enters Radiopharma Sector with $110M Licensing Deal

Sanofi has entered into the competitive radiopharmaceutical arena, joining the likes of Novartis, Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), and Eli Lilly. The company has signed a $110 million licensing agreement with RadioMedix and Orano Med to advance AlphaMedix, a targeted radioligand therapy designed to treat neuroendocrine tumors.

According to a recent announcement, the deal involves an upfront payment of €100 million ($110 million) from Sanofi, with the potential for an additional €220 million ($242.5 million) in sales milestones, as well as royalties. RadioMedix, a U.S.-based biotech firm, specializes in developing radiopharmaceuticals for PET imaging and targeted alpha therapy to address unmet needs in cancer treatment. Orano Med, a French company, focuses on developing radioligand therapies.

AlphaMedix, the centerpiece of this collaboration, employs lead-212Pb to target and combat cancer. Analysts from Truist Securities have identified lead as a promising element in the next wave of radioligand therapies, citing its short half-life and rapid clearance, potent alpha emissions, and abundant availability. However, there are investor concerns about the logistical challenges of distributing the one-time therapy and potential safety issues.

Under the terms of the agreement, Sanofi will handle commercialization efforts while Orano Med will be in charge of manufacturing. Currently, AlphaMedix is in a Phase II clinical trial aimed at treating gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs).

Sanofi's entry into the radioligand space marks the latest move by a major pharmaceutical company to invest in this burgeoning field. Novartis is currently the leader in radioligand therapies, with two approved treatments: Pluvicto for prostate cancer and Lutathera for GEP-NETs. Other big players, including AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Eli Lilly, have made significant strides in this area over the past year.

BMS made headlines with its $4.1 billion acquisition of RayzeBio in December 2023, showcasing the high stakes and substantial investments being made in the radioligand sector. Eli Lilly has also been active, securing a licensing deal with Aktis Oncology and acquiring Point BioPharma for $1.4 billion to bolster its presence in the field.

Novartis has been a pioneer in radioligands since 2017, when it acquired Advanced Accelerator Application for $3.9 billion. This was followed by the $2.1 billion purchase of EndoCyte in October 2018 and the acquisition of Mariana Oncology for $1 billion upfront and $750 million in milestones earlier this year.

As more pharmaceutical giants enter the radioligand therapy market, the competition is expected to intensify, potentially leading to significant advancements in cancer treatment options. Sanofi's partnership with RadioMedix and Orano Med reflects a growing trend among major pharma companies to explore innovative therapies that can meet the needs of patients with challenging and often rare types of cancer.

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