Sanofi Expands Autoimmune Portfolio with $500M EVOQ Partnership

Sanofi has announced a new collaboration with Chicago-based EVOQ Therapeutics, potentially worth up to $500 million, to develop novel treatments for autoimmune diseases. The partnership, revealed on Thursday, centers around EVOQ's proprietary NanoDisc technology, which aims to restore the body's natural immune tolerance.

Deal Structure and Financial Terms

The agreement includes an undisclosed upfront payment to EVOQ, along with potential preclinical, development, and sales milestones. EVOQ will also be eligible for tiered royalties on product sales. While specific financial breakdowns were not provided, the total consideration could reach $500 million.

Under the terms of the collaboration, both companies will work together on research activities, with Sanofi taking charge of worldwide development and commercialization efforts.

NanoDisc Technology and Therapeutic Potential

EVOQ's NanoDisc platform is designed to selectively target dendritic cells, which play a crucial role in immune tolerance. In autoimmune diseases, these cells inappropriately activate the cell-mediated immune response, leading to the body mistakenly attacking its own tissues and organs.

The technology utilizes synthetic high-density lipoprotein particles loaded with patient-specific genetic material to deliver antigens that can potentially restore immune tolerance. This approach is being explored for various autoimmune conditions, including celiac disease, type 1 diabetes, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus.

According to EVOQ, the NanoDisc technology offers up to 30 times greater effectiveness compared to other methods and can be administered via subcutaneous injection, potentially improving patient convenience over traditional intravenous treatments.

Sanofi's Growing Autoimmune Portfolio

This latest partnership adds to Sanofi's significant investments in the autoimmune disease space throughout the year. Notable recent deals include:

• A $1.9 billion agreement with Dren Bio in March for the bispecific antibody DR-0201
• A collaboration with Earendil Labs worth up to $1.845 billion for two bispecific antibodies targeting autoimmune and inflammatory bowel diseases
• Advancement of a preclinical molecular glue asset discovered in partnership with Kymera, part of a potential $2 billion protein degrader program focused on immune-inflammatory conditions

David Giljohann, Ph.D., CEO of EVOQ, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "Sanofi's know-how in autoimmune disease and leadership in immunology will bring clinical development expertise and commercial presence, thereby making Sanofi a highly credible and attractive partner for our technology, uniquely positioned to deliver breakthrough efficacy and convenience for patients."