Sanofi strikes $805m deal with Principia Biopharma for multiple sclerosis drug development

Sanofi and Principia Biopharma have announced a significant partnership to develop and commercialize PRN2246, a promising oral drug candidate for multiple sclerosis (MS) and other central nervous system (CNS) diseases. The deal, which could be worth up to $805 million, positions PRN2246, a Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, at the forefront of MS treatment development.

Financial Details and Strategic Implications of the Deal

Under the terms of the agreement, Sanofi will make an upfront payment of $40 million to Principia Biopharma, with potential future milestone payments that could total $765 million, along with royalties on product sales. This collaboration grants Sanofi an exclusive, global license to develop and commercialize PRN2246, which is currently in clinical development.

Advancements in MS Drug Development

PRN2246 has shown potential due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier—a crucial factor in treating neurological disorders. This capability allows the drug to directly influence immune cell activity and brain cell signaling within the central nervous system, a novel approach in the treatment of MS.

Rita Balice-Gordon, Global Head of MS/Neuroscience Therapeutic Research Area at Sanofi, emphasized the strategic value of the partnership: “Our agreement with Principia is an example of Sanofi’s strategic commitment to build our drug discovery and development pipeline in MS and neurological diseases. External relationships like this may accelerate the delivery of new treatments to patients living with these serious diseases.”

Principia’s Strategic Co-Financing Option

The agreement also includes an option for Principia Biopharma to co-finance Phase 3 development of the drug, which could increase their royalties on global sales or allow them to enter into a profit and loss sharing arrangement in the U.S. This aspect of the deal underscores Principia’s commitment to maximizing their neurological treatment strategies while leveraging Sanofi’s global reach.

Martin Babler, CEO of Principia Biopharma, stated, “Sanofi is an ideal partner for PRN2246. The agreement allows Principia to maximize the BTK opportunity in neurology with a strong partner for PRN2246 while focusing internal resources on our lead BTK inhibitor in another therapeutic area.”

The Future of PRN2246 and Neurological Treatments

The license deal is expected to be finalized in the fourth quarter of this year, pending customary regulatory approvals. This partnership marks a potentially transformative phase in the treatment of MS and represents a significant advance in the strategic development of novel neurological therapies.

This collaboration between Sanofi and Principia Biopharma not only highlights the ongoing innovation in MS treatment but also reflects the growing trend of strategic partnerships in the pharmaceutical industry to enhance drug development pipelines. The potential of PRN2246 to improve the quality of life for patients with MS and other CNS diseases could be a game-changer in the field of neurology.