TARRYTOWN, N.Y.—Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced recently that it has expanded its ophthalmology portfolio by acquiringfull exclusive rights to two families of novel antibodies invented atRegeneron and previously included in Regeneron's antibody collaborationwith Sanofi.

 

In the deal announced May 3, Regeneron acquired full rights to antibodies targeting theplatelet derived growth factor (PDGF) family of receptors and ligandsin ophthalmology and all other indications and to antibodies targetingthe angiopoietin2 (ANG2) receptor and ligand in ophthalmology.Antibodies to PDGF and ANG2 are currently in preclinical development foruse in ophthalmology.

 

Regarding the PDGF antibodies, Regeneron will pay Sanofi $10 million up front, as much as $40 millionin development milestone payments and royalties on sales. Withrespect to ANG2 antibodies in ophthalmology, Regeneron will pay Sanofi $10 million up front, as much as $5 million in development milestone payment and royalties on sales.

 

As Regeneron eyes ophthalmology applications, Sanofi has oncology on its agenda as it retains rights to other compounds in the collaboration between the two companies. Specifically, antibodiesto ANG2 outside of ophthalmology will continue to be developed byRegeneron and Sanofi under their antibody collaboration agreement,including REGN910 (SAR 307746), an antibody to ANG2 that is currently in Phase I development in patients with advanced malignancies.

Regeneron is a leading science-based biopharmaceutical company based in New Yorkthat discovers, invents, develops, manufactures and commercializesmedicines for the treatment of serious medical conditions, currently marketing therapeutics for eye diseases, colorectal cancer and a rareinflammatory condition; it also has product candidates in development inother areas of high unmet medical need, including hypercholesterolemia,oncology, rheumatoid arthritis, allergic asthma and atopic dermatitis.