Sanofi (EPA: SAN, NASDAQ: SNY) announced plans to acquire DR-0201, a bispecific myeloid cell engager (MCE) targeting CD20, through the acquisition of its developer, Dren Bio, Inc. The deal underscores Sanofi’s commitment to expanding its portfolio in autoimmune diseases with a novel therapeutic approach.
Deal Structure
Sanofi will pay an upfront $600 million and has committed to additional milestone payments totaling $1.3 billion, contingent on development and launch milestones. The transaction is expected to close during the second quarter of this year.
Innovative Mechanism
DR-0201 represents a potential first-in-class bispecific antibody designed to achieve deep B-cell depletion by targeting and activating specific myeloid cells. This mechanism aims to reset the adaptive immune system, offering hope for sustained remission in patients with refractory B-cell mediated autoimmune diseases such as lupus.
Clinical Potential
Early clinical data in autoimmune diseases suggest that DR-0201’s approach to deep B-cell depletion could lead to long-lasting treatment-free remission. This acquisition positions Sanofi at the forefront of innovative therapies for conditions where current treatments often fall short.-Fineline Info & Tech
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