Sanofi Ink Deals with Janssen To Develop E.coil

Sanofi has announced a deal with Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc, a Johnson & Johnson business, to develop and commercialize Janssen's vaccine candidate for extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (9-valent), which is now in phase 3. The deal combines Janssen's strong science behind this potentially first-in-class treatment with Sanofi's global manufacturing capacity and renowned world-class competence in launching breakthrough vaccines. Thomas Triomphe, executive vice president, Vaccines, Sanofi, said: “E. coli is a significant cause of sepsis, mortality, and antimicrobial resistance in older adults, and the number of cases is rising as the population ages. In line with our commitment to design and deliver first- or best-in-class medicines and vaccines, this agreement with Janssen aims to positively impact public health by reducing hospitalization costs and the burden on health systems associated with ExPEC and help older adults around the world to live longer, healthier lives.”

Under the terms of the agreement, both parties will co-fund current and future research and development costs. Sanofi will pay USD 175 million upfront to Janssen, followed by development and commercial milestones. There will be a profit-share arrangement in the US, EU (France, Germany, Italy, Spain), and the UK. In the rest of the world (ROW), Janssen will receive tiered royalties and sales milestones. Closing is subject to customary regulatory clearance, as per pharmabiz. Extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli is a major cause of sepsis, especially in the elderly. Sepsis is a potentially fatal bloodstream infection that causes severe disease and extensive organ damage as a result of the body's self-destructive response to the infection. The biggest risk factors are age, particularly being over 60, and chronic conditions (such as diabetes, cancer, or renal disease).