Sanofi Shifts Focus from Oncology to Autoimmune Diseases in Collaboration with Innate Pharma

Sanofi, the French pharmaceutical giant, is making significant changes to its partnership with Innate Pharma, pivoting away from oncology and towards autoimmune indications. This strategic shift involves the return of a promising cancer drug and the cancellation of a multiple myeloma trial, signaling a major realignment in Sanofi's research and development priorities.

Sanofi Returns Phase 2 NK Cell Engager to Innate Pharma

In a surprising move, Sanofi has decided to hand back SAR443579 (also known as IPH6101), a phase 2-stage natural killer (NK) cell engager, to Innate Pharma. This drug, which targets CD123, had shown promise in early clinical trials for relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia. Last year, Sanofi reported encouraging data, with complete responses observed in five out of 15 patients who received a 1 mg/kg dose. Three of these patients demonstrated "durable" complete responses lasting more than 10 months.

Despite these positive results, Sanofi has chosen to discontinue its development of SAR443579. The companies will now "discuss a transition plan with regard to ongoing studies," according to Sanofi's April 23 release.

Refocusing BCMA-Targeting Drug on Autoimmune Diseases

In addition to returning SAR443579, Sanofi has announced the termination of a phase 1/2 study for IPH6401 (SAR'514), a BCMA-targeting NK cell engager, in multiple myeloma. Instead, the company plans to repurpose this asset for autoimmune disease research.

This decision aligns with Sanofi's broader strategy to become "an immunoscience powerhouse," as revealed in an internal letter obtained by Fierce Biotech last year. The shift towards autoimmune and immunology research is further evidenced by Sanofi's recent acquisitions and collaborations, including a deal with Earendil Labs for bispecific antibodies targeting colitis and Crohn's disease, and a $480 million autoimmune partnership with Nurix Therapeutics.

Strengthening Ties: Sanofi's Potential Equity Investment in Innate Pharma

Despite the changes in their oncology collaboration, Sanofi and Innate Pharma are reinforcing their partnership. Sanofi has agreed to invest approximately 15 million euros ($17.1 million) in new shares of Innate Pharma, subject to satisfactory market conditions. This potential equity investment underscores Sanofi's continued confidence in Innate Pharma's research and development capabilities.

Jonathan Dickinson, CEO of Innate Pharma, expressed enthusiasm about the evolving partnership: "We are very pleased that Sanofi has chosen to further strengthen our relationship through a potential strategic equity investment in the company. This would further validate the innovation and scientific progress at Innate Pharma delivered by our research and development."

The companies will continue their collaboration on other projects, including a separate agreement signed in 2022 to use Innate's ANKET platform to target the glycoprotein B7-H3, which is overexpressed in various solid tumors. Innate Pharma stands to receive over 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) in R&D and commercial milestones from Sanofi if their various projects prove successful.