France’s Sanofi and Orano Med, a subsidiary of the Orano Group and a pioneer in the development of targeted alphatherapies in oncology, have agreed to combine their expertise to further accelerate the development of next-generation radioligand medicines. Under the terms of the agreement, Sanofi will make an equity investment of €300m ($325m), approximately 16% equity stake in the new entity valued at €1.9bn.
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 (Pb-212) 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 combines 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 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,” said Sanofi CEO Paul Hudson. “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.”
Orano Group CEO Nicolas Maes 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. This innovation reflects Orano’s commitment to exploring new opportunities and taking bold steps to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.”
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.
In striving to become a leading immunoscience company globally, Sanofi said it remains committed to advancing oncology innovation. The pipeline is being reshaped and prioritised, leveraging expertise in immunoscience to drive progress. Efforts are centred on difficult-to-treat cancers such as select hematologic malignancies and solid tumours with critical unmet needs, including rare cancers such as multiple myeloma, acute myeloid leukaemia, 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 will contribute to the ambitious agenda of the France 2030 plan to accelerate innovation in oncology.
