By Fineline Cube 
France-based Innate Pharma SA has announced a significant adjustment to its 2016 research and licensing agreement with Sanofi (NASDAQ: SNY). Under the revised terms, Sanofi will return full ownership of the CD123-targeted ANKET drug SAR’579/IPH6101 to Innate. This decision follows negotiations between the parties, while their 2022 agreement remains unaffected. Sanofi advanced SAR’579/IPH6101 to Phase II clinical trials in April 2024, and both companies will collaborate on a transition plan for ongoing research.
Adjustment Details and Future Plans
Sanofi will retain rights to another project, SAR’514/IPH6401 (BCMA ANKET), which it licensed from Innate. However, the company plans to terminate the Phase I/II clinical trial of SAR’514/IPH6401 for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (clinical trial registration number: NCT05839626) and will instead focus on developing the asset for autoimmune indications.
Potential Investment and Ongoing Collaboration
As part of the negotiations, Sanofi may invest in Innate through a new share issuance, with a potential maximum investment of EUR 15 million (USD 17 million), subject to market conditions. Additionally, Sanofi and Innate continue to collaborate on the B7-H3-targeted ANKET project IPH62. Sanofi retains the option to select a new ANKET target under the 2022 agreement.-Fineline Info & Tech