UCB and Sanofi have entered into a scientific and strategic collaboration for the discovery and development of innovative anti-inflammatory small molecules that have the potential to treat a wide range of immune-mediated diseases in areas such as gastroenterology and arthritis.

UCB NewMedicines, the research arm of UCB, has used an innovative approach to identify small molecules modulators of a biological pathway, for which parenterally administered biologic therapies have proven efficacious in patients. A dedicated team of scientists will be formed under the leadership of Sanofi and UCB,and will join forces in a discovery and development based collaboration to characterize and identify new potential therapies.

Under the terms of the agreement, Sanofi and UCB will share costs and profits on a 50/50 basis. UCB will be entitled to initial upfront, preclinical and clinical development milestone payments from Sanofi, potentially exceeding EUR 100 million ($139 million).

Source: Sanofi