Sanofi-aventis announced an exclusive global licensing agreement with The Rockefeller University concerning a novel monoclonal antibody, targeting certain specific forms of the Amyloid Beta parenchymal plaque for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

The anti-Amyloid Beta (ABeta) antibody therapy is a highly attractive approach to prevent and reverse the amyloid plaque formation which may lead to cognitive improvement in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. This antibody is planned to enter development at the end of 2009.

“It’s a great pleasure to interact with The Rockefeller University and in particular with Dr. Jeffrey Ravetch, a worldwide expert in the engineering of mAb Fc region and effector functions”, declared Marc Cluzel, executive vice-president, R&D, sanofi-aventis. “Dr Ravetch discovered the original murine monoclonal antibody targeting the Amyloid Beta peptide, one target which may have a significant positive impact in the management of patients with Alzheimer’s disease, which is a public health priority.”

“I am pleased to contribute with sanofi-aventis to the development of a novel anti-ABeta antibody for the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease,” said Dr Jeffrey Ravetch – professor and head of the Leonard Wagner Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Immunology at The Rockefeller University. “The initial studies suggest that this antibody may be an effective means of reducing the progression of this widespread and debilitating disease.”

Under the terms of the agreement, sanofi-aventis will obtain an exclusive worldwide license to develop, manufacture and commercialize the anti-ABeta antibody. The terms of such license are undisclosed.

The Rockefeller University is a world-renowned center for research and graduate education in the biomedical sciences, chemistry, and physics.