sanofi-aventis, Innogenetics, and Inserm, through its subsidiary called Inserm Transfert, announced the conclusion of a collaborative research agreement in the field of Alzheimer's disease.

This collaboration agreement is signed for an initial period of 2 years, with an option for sanofi-aventis to obtain an exclusive worldwide license on the results arising from the research programme in the therapeutics field. Innogenetics will have an exclusive worldwide license in the diagnostics field.

The present agreement is built on intellectual property and a research collaboration between Innogenetics and Inserm-Lille (U-422) on the development of new diagnostic tools for Alzheimer's disease (AD) dating back from 2002. The results of the collaboration will allow to study the role of specific forms of the key Alzheimer protein amyloid beta, and related technology, as targets for new therapeutic avenues for AD. Based on the technology and products provided by Innogenetics and Inserm, sanofi-aventis will evaluate different products against diverse forms of the amyloid beta protein in a passive immunization programme. In return for providing sanofi-aventis access to their technology and services, Innogenetics and Inserm- Transfert will receive upfront and research fees.

In the event sanofi-aventis exercises its license option, Innogenetics and Inserm- Transfert will be entitled to milestone payments and royalties on future sales of therapeutic products resulting from this collaboration.

Financial terms of the agreement are not disclosed.

Frank Morich, CEO of Innogenetics, commented: "This agreement is a significant valorization of our discovery, and development capabilities, and of our intellectual property in the field of Alzheimer's disease. The combination of technologies and expertise from 3 different parties, each having outstanding know-how in their field, creates a unique alliance. This joint effort will address a medical need in Alzheimer's disease and will add value for Innogenetics and its shareholders."