Sanofi has signed a licensing agreement with French biopharmaceutical firm Biomunex Pharmaceuticals for the development of antibody-based drugs.

As part of the deal, Sanofi will get access to Biomunex’s Plug-and-Play BiXAb platform to produce and optimise bi- and multi-specific antibody therapeutics.

The bi and multi-specific approach is designed to enable formatting of BiXAb using a pair of monospecific monoclonal antibodies as building blocks.

Biomunex noted that the BiXAb platform is ideal for the development of antibodies for cancer, immune-mediated inflammatory and infectious diseases, among others.

As per the terms of the agreement, Sanofi will carry out the research, development, manufacturing and global commercialisation activities.

"It demonstrates the high value of the BiXAb technology and is the starting point for our collaboration strategy with pharmaceutical companies to discover and develop cutting-edge bi and multi-specific antibodies."

In turn, Biomunex will obtain initial upfront payment along with further clinical, regulatory and commercial milestone payments from Sanofi. Precise financial details of the agreement have not been divulged.

Biomunex Pharmaceuticals founder and CEO Pierre-Emmanuel Gerard said: "This licensing agreement is a major milestone for Biomunex.

"It demonstrates the high value of the BiXAb technology and is the starting point for our collaboration strategy with pharmaceutical companies to discover and develop cutting-edge bi- and multi-specific antibodies, giving patients new treatment options."

Gerard added that proceeds from this agreement and a future funding round will be used to advance its BiXAb bi- and multi-specific antibody programmes in immuno-oncology and other therapeutic areas into clinical development.

Biomunex Pharmaceuticals is focused on offering immuno-therapeutics through the discovery and development of bi and multi-specific antibodies generated using its BiXAb platform.

The company’s lead candidate is said to possess the potential as a potent immunotherapeutic for a variety of solid tumours, including head and neck, gastric and pancreatic cancers.

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