Oncodesign, a drug discovery company and oncology pharmacology service provider, has entered into a strategic research collaboration with Sanofi to apply exclusively Oncodesign’s Nanocyclix technology to several Sanofi kinase target programmes. The technology aims to allow for a quicker selection of development candidates for multiple undisclosed kinase targets in kinase families that are notoriously difficult to address

Nanocyclix is a proprietary medicinal chemistry technology and research platform based on macrocyclisation chemical methodology and knowledge that gives access to potent and selective kinase inhibitors based on shape complementarity in the ATP binding site of kinases. In this way, unprecedented selectivity is achieved even among kinases with high homology. In addition, the technology allows rapid improvement in the pharmacokinetic properties of the Nanocyclix leads based on established knowledge. Oncodesign is the leader in the field of macrocyclic kinase inhibitors and proposes both partnership opportunities in its internal programmes as well as applying the technology to its partner’s lead kinase programmes.

“We are very pleased that Sanofi, a world leader amongst pharmaceutical companies, has selected Oncodesign as a partner for advancing their internal kinase programmes. This agreement further validates the development of our company into a platform company with innovative technologies in medicinal chemistry and advanced oncological pharmacology," said Philippe Genne, PhD., chief executive officer and Oncodesign founder.

Under the terms of the agreement, Oncodesign will exclusively apply its Nanocyclix technology platform in multiple undisclosed Sanofi kinase programs for a number of therapeutic applications over a period of four years. Oncodesign is entitled to a technology access fee and discovery, development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments totaling up to EUR 130 million and low single digit royalties on net sales.

"This new Agreement illustrates the leading position of Oncodesign in the kinase inhibitor field. Our Nanocyclix technology is now clearly established as a high value, differentiating approach that gives access to next generation kinase inhibitors in multiple therapeutic indications,” said Jan Hoflack, PhD., chief scientific officer of Oncodesign.