Sanofi and Orano Med have entered into an agreement with the aim of accelerating the development of radioligand medicines. 

Building on the radioligand pipeline of Orano Med, Sanofi and Orano will invest in a new entity, operating under the Orano Med brand. 

The new entity will focus 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 RLTs in rare cancers with a focus on one late-stage project, AlphaMedix. 

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. 

Paul Hudson, CEO, Sanofi, commented: “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. 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.” 

Targeted alpha therapy relies on 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. 

Nicolas Maes, CEO, Orano Group, 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.”