Sanofi in Biologics Collaboration With Boehringer

Under a deal just signed, German drugmaker Boehringer Ingelheim will offer its production capabilities for monoclonal antibodies to French pharmaceutical producer Sanofi to support its upcoming product launches.

Around 70% of Sanofi's R&D projects are in biologics, nearly half of which are monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), the company said.

Under the terms of the agreement, Sanofi will have access to Boehringer's production capabilities in Biberach an der Riss, Germany to transfer and manufacture therapeutic mAbs. Initial product transfers will begin in early 2015.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

"Boehringer Ingelheim is a highly capable and experienced partner to complement our continued alliance with Regeneron and the investments we are making in building our own internal capabilities as we prepare for a wave of potential new product launches in the coming years," said Wolfram Carius, senior vice president Biologics at Sanofi.

Uwe Bücheler, corporate senior vice president at Boehringer Ingelheim Biopharmaceuticals, said the agreement reflects his company's strategy to be dedicated and committed to the manufacturing of highly innovative new biologic entities."